Intervarsity Francophone Debates 2018 : drum roll!

The intervarsity francophone debates 2018 have been and gone! 
On the 23rd and the 24th of March, 13 teams took part in an intense debating contest at Queen’s University Belfast. This event, as a part of the Month of la Francophonie Festival, is a tradition within our Embassy: the cup has been in place since 1983!

The Intervarsity Francophone Debates allow Irish students to practice their French while developping their skills on how to build arguments and speak in front of an audience.

This year orality was the chosen themes discussed throughout four rounds:

1. L’apprentissage des langues minoritaires vaut autant que celui d’une langue mondiale
2. L’évolution d’une langue doit être encadrée
3. Les paroles s’envolent, les écrits restent
4. L’Académie française a un train de retard - final

13 teams took part in the game. They came from all over the country: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Maynooth University & Queen’s University Belfast

The jury assessed the teams and their performances in order to award three prizes: the winning team and the two best speakers.

With a panel of arguments as rich as they were surprising, each performance was of high quality. The jury members and the audience were able to witness real dynamism and team spirit at all times!

The prize winners:

1. The winning team: Alex Keogan / Mairéad Dowling (Trinity College Dublin)
2. Best speakers prize: Jordan Mc Cullough (Queen’s University Belfast) & Evan Croke (Maynooth University)

The Embassy of France in Ireland warmly thanks all the intervarsity francophone debates 2018 participants, as well as the audience, members of the jury and special thanks to the organisors - Queen’s University Belfast - French Society.

See you next year!