TELEVISION channels in France have been told to translate the titles of programmes such as La Star Academy and Popstars into French under the latest attempt by language police to halt the spread of English.

The order comes from the country’s Higher Audiovisual Council (CSA), which is angry that a growing number of programmes — including many reality series — are given snappy English names. “This results from the idea that English is superior and stems from a widespread sentiment of the inferiority or outdated nature of the francophone culture,” the CSA said.

Members of the CSA want to shore up the law which requires that all foreign expressions are translated into French on television and radio, inside the workplace, on commercial products and in advertising.

Passed in 1994, the legislation has been implemented to varying degrees as France has swung between impassioned defence of the French language and concern that its youth is failing to learn “l’anglais”. Television stations have largely ignored the ruling as they have imported AngloSaxon programmes and awarded them English-language names that are seen as modern and fashionable.

Le Bachelor, La Hit Machine, Loft Story, La Star Academy, and Popstars are among the reality television shows that have been highlighted by the CSA.

Cartoons, such as Totally Spies and Funky Cops, have also ignited official ire.

In its directive the CSA gave television stations a choice between scrapping the English names and finding a French equivalent, or using a double title in both languages.

The body went on to address the issue of “franglais”, which is creeping into French television through expressions such as “le prime du samedi soir” (the prime-time Saturday evening show).

Although such terms could be described as linguistic creations, their spread “gives the public the impression that reality television shows are more admirable, desirable, fashionable and with it for having received the approval of the Anglophone world,” the CSA said.

The warning comes as France struggles to reconcile President Chirac’s vision of a multi-polar world with the demands of the global economy.

Lost in Translation

Present titles and the possible changes

La Star Academy — L’Ecole des Vedettes

La Hit Machine — La Machine à Succès

Loft Story — Histoire d’un Loft

Popstars — Vedettes de Variétés

Totally Spies — Des Espions à Part Entière

Funky Cops — Des Flics dans le Vent

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