New affiliate faculty, Irina Markina-Baum, develops “business French” module

In autumn quarter 2025, the Department of French & Italian Studies will offer a module on business French in its advanced French 301 course. Developed by assistant teaching professor Irina Markina-Baum with support from the Canadian Studies Center and the Global Business Center, the module will introduce students not only to the linguistic conventions of “le français des affaires,” but also to the business cultures of France and Francophone Canada. Students will craft a CV for the French market while also staging a debate on recent laws and business practices which have surrounded this brief, seemingly simple document. Closer to home, students will discuss Quebec’s recent tightening of language regulations for commerce and business. We will contextualize the new rules (taking effect on June 1, 2025) in a longer history of Quebec’s language policies, allowing students to develop a more nuanced understanding of our North American trade partner. Combining hands-on linguistic workshops and broader cultural and historical reflection, the module aims to broaden students’ horizons in the Francophone business landscape.