Gilles Forlot

Gilles Forlot is a Full Professor of Sociolinguistics and Language Education at the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (INALCO) in Paris. He currently serves as Vice-President for European and International Affairs (2019-2025) and previously held positions as Vice-President for Academic & Student Affairs (2017-2019) and as Director of the Language Teaching Department (2014-2017 & 2023-2025). His work is conducted within the SeDyL research team (Structure et Dynamique des Langues UMR8202 CNRS, INALCO, IRD).

Forlot's research focuses on the complex relationship between language, education, and identity in multilingual contexts. His primary areas of interest include sociolinguistics of education, language policies, multilingualism, World Englishes, and language planning, with particular attention to Singapore and France. He examines how language education policies shape national identities and social cohesion in postcolonial contexts, and how globalization influences local language practices.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on the ideological dimensions of language education, critical sociolinguistics of multilingualism, and the spread of English as an international language. His work shows consistent interest in how language policies function as tools for nation-building while simultaneously negotiating global pressures. His research on Singapore examines the tension between global English and local language practices, while his work on France analyzes the complex relationship between French language ideology and the increasing presence of English.

Forlot has made significant contributions to understanding language education in 'double-minority' contexts and the challenges of implementing multilingual education policies in nation-states with strong monolingual traditions. His research often bridges theoretical sociolinguistics with practical educational concerns, offering critical perspectives on language teaching methodologies and policies.