Speak French? Francophonie may be for you

Francophonie, the newest addition to the University's repertoire of extracurricular groups, promises a unique social and cultural experience. Intended to promote French identity, the group's planned monthly social hours highlight "French wine, French food and French entertainment," said the group's founder and president, College and Wharton senior Christopher Charlier. But this cultural haven doesn't come without a price. "Our only requirement is that everyone speaks French," Charlier said. "It should make for an entertaining time." Charlier, a native French citizen who has lived in the United States for the past 13 years, created the new forum for French speakers with support from the University's French Institute for Technology and Culture. "That's where the name comes from," Charlier explained. "The term 'francophone' indicates all French-speaking countries, including Africa, the Middle East and Asia." The organization hopes to draw on this international flavor by integrating the language into social events. The group also has plans for a movie series and brown bag lunch program – in French – which will be open to all interested undergraduates. Francoise Gramet, the supervisor for Francophonie, noted that "as a French person and francophone, it was regrettable that Penn didn't have any place for French speaking people to meet. It's a real need." Gramet, an administrative assistant at the institute, said the idea came entirely from the students. "I hope it works," she added. "I hope people come out in big numbers." Plans are underway for the group's first social hour, which is scheduled for December 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Houston Hall Bowl Room, Charlier said. Francophonie extends an invitation for pate and French music to all interested students.