Chirac Urges Nations To Keep French Language

French President Jacques Chirac urged French-speaking nations Saturday to keep the language alive.

Chirac said modern technology has become a threat to French and other languages because it uses primarily English. He cited Internet, the worldwide computer information network, where English is the language of choice.

“The French language is, above all, the affirmation of an identity that will transcend ethnic differences and overcome political, cultural and religious divisions,” Chirac told leaders from 47 French-speaking nations gathered in this west African capital.

The summit is held every two years in an effort to forge economic and political unity among French-speaking nations. The next, in 1997, is to be held in Vietnam.