Languages and Migration: How Can We Change Perceptions?

27 July 2026
|In Events
|By Elise DESMARS

2 December 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Chaillot - Théâtre national de la danse - 1, place du Trocadéro et du 11 novembre, Paris 16e

For migrant people, mastering the language of the host country can be a tough challenge—one that often leads to exclusion and barriers in accessing their rights. However, with early and adequate investment, language remains a powerful driver of inclusion and integration. Yet, language is more than just a tool for inclusion. Whether it is the language of the host or home country, the interplay between them fosters dialogue and cultural exchange, creating essential linguistic spaces that promote peace and social cohesion.

The BNP Paribas Foundation, Synergies Migrations, and the Institut Convergences Migrations, in partnership with Chaillot – Théâtre national de la danse, came together to explore the role of language in the refugee journey. This conference will highlight solutions to overcome obstacles to learning French and emphasize the benefits of early language acquisition, drawing from innovative programs in France and abroad. More than that, it aims to showcase the value of linguistic exchanges—mutually enriching experiences for both host societies and migrant people. This edition will bring together researchers, persons with migrant background, representatives from associations, and institutional actors from France and beyond.

9:00 – 9:30 am: Welcome coffee

9:30 – 10:00 am: Opening and Introduction

  • Isabelle Giordano, Executive Director, BNP Paribas Foundation – Corporate Philanthropy
  • Caroline Guimond, President, Synergies Migrations
  • François Héran, Sociologist and Demographer, Professor at Collège de France, President of the Institut Convergences Migrations
  • Rachid Ouramdane, President & Director, Chaillot – Théâtre national de la danse

Video: “Languages and Migration: Between the Obligation to Learn and Cultural Diversity”

10:00 – 10:45 am: Overcoming Barriers to Learning French

Excerpt from the film “Même si tu vas sur la lune”, directed by Laurent Rodriguez

  • Emmanuel Charrier, Head of University Diplomas, Sorbonne Alliance & Passerelle Exil, Panthéon-Sorbonne
  • David Coste, Director of Integration and Access to Nationality, French Ministry of the Interior
  • Tahmina Jami, Student at Sciences Po Paris
  • Yasmine Leroux, Director, Tent France
  • Amalini Simon, Clinical Psychologist, Director of Centre Babel, Coordinator of Transcultural Consultations at Avicenne and Cochin Hospitals (AP-HP)

10:45 – 11:15 am: Coffee Break

11:15 am – 12:00 pm: Crossed Perspectives on Language Learning During Asylum Procedure

Video “Adapting French Training to the Needs of Migrant Early in their Reception: Lessons learned from Corrèze”

  • Pouria Amirshahi, Member of the French Parliament
  • Félix Guyon, Executive Director, Thot (Diploma-Granting French School for Refugees and Asylum Seekers)
  • Nuno Costa Jorge, Coordinator, Hospitality Communities & Refugee Integration, JRS Portugal
  • Thomas Liebig, Migration Specialist, Senior Administrator, OECD International Migration Division

12:00 – 12:45 pm : Language and Exile: A Dialogue Between Cultures

  • Abdul Azam Azizi, President & Co-Founder, Mizaban Association
  • Paul Rondin, Director, Cité Internationale de la Langue Française
  • Marie-Caroline Saglio-Yatzimirsky, Director, Institut Convergences Migrations – CNRS; Director, University Diploma in Hospitality (DUH2M), Inalco
  • Anna Stevanato, Founder & Director, Dulala Association

12:45 – 1:00 pm : Closing Remarks

  • Barbara Cassin, Philosopher, Philologist, Member of the Académie Française, CNRS Research Director, CNRS Gold Medalist
  • Sorour Kasmaï, Writer, Translator, Publisher, Director of Horizons Persans Collection, Actes Sud

1:00 – 2:00 PM : Networking Cocktail

Registration and information

matthieutardis@synergies-migrations.org

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