Section: Society
Freedom of expression is still to be conquered

Freedom of expression is still to be conquered

DOSSIER IRONIE, Enzo Santacroce | Freedom of expression is inextricably linked to the critical spirit. Seductive, it is nonetheless a force of opposition that pits its defenders against sometimes extreme dangers. Many Western philosophers have experienced this first-hand, banished, excommunicated or even condemned to death for defying the authorities by taking disturbing positions. Why is the free use of thought, and by extension speech, so perilous? We take a look at Socrates, the symbol of a critical spirit sacrificed on the altar of conformism, to see just how fragile freedom of expression still is today.
Linguist Danièle Manesse: «Grammatical gender is not sex».»

Linguist Danièle Manesse: «Grammatical gender is not sex».»

Danièle Manesse, professor emeritus of language sciences at the University of Paris-3 Sorbonne nouvelle, fights inclusive writing with all her might. She responds here, argument by argument, to the proponents of this militant typography. And as a convinced feminist, she gives us her thoughts on what has become of much of her camp and the academic world.
Tribune: «How about finally tackling illiteracy in Switzerland?»

Tribune: «How about finally tackling illiteracy in Switzerland?»

Le Regard Libre N° 80 | Dans cette tribune, le comédien et metteur en scène Marco Polli met en perspective les récentes controverses sur l’orthographe et l’écriture inclusive à l’échelle des cinquante dernières années. L’ancien président de l’Union du corps enseignant secondaire genevois et de la Commission Langues Vivantes dénonce ce qu’il considère comme étant les différentes étapes ayant mené à l’état actuel des écoles en Suisse. A savoir une situation où un élève sur cinq est illettré à l’âge de 15 ans. Et l’ex-enseignant de proposer une voie pour s’en sortir.