Paris, January 2026
The Babel Paradox: Multilingualism, wellbeing, and invisible disadvantages
María Carmen Parafita, Leiden University
In this talk, Dr. Parafita presents a critical reflection on multilingualism, its cognitive and social implications, and the invisible disadvantages faced by multilingual communities due to prevailing monolingual ideologies. Drawing on several interdisciplinary research projects across diverse contexts, including West Africa, Central America, Belgium, and Galicia (Spain), Dr. Parafita challenges dominant linguistic paradigms and advocates for a justice-oriented approach to language policy
French grammar: the gap between prescriptions and usage
Anne Abeille, Université Paris Cité
In this talk, Dr. Abeille explores the intricate relationship between spoken and written French, focusing on the challenges of French spelling, grammatical variance, prescriptivism, social attitudes, and contemporary efforts in French language teaching and reform.
Adolescence and Justice
Alix Richard, Dispositif Adolescence et Justice (DAJ), Tours
This talk examines the deteriorating state of adolescent mental health in France, characterized by sharp increases in emergency visits and systemic care delays. It introduces the Adolescent Justice (AJ) unit in Tours as a pioneering multidisciplinary outpatient initiative designed to serve minors in conflict with the law, a vulnerable population facing complex psychiatric, social, and educational challenges.