Welcome to the CIÉF’s website
Association founded in 1987
Our Association
The « Conseil International d’Études Francophones » (CIÉF), or « International Council of Francophone Studies » is a non-profit association whose aim is to encourage interdisciplinary studies, research, and publications concerning all countries and regions of French expression. Anchored in North America where it was born, the CIÉF is designed for those who belong to French-speaking communities as well as those who are interested in the Francophone world.
Our Membership
CIÉF members are primarily teachers and scholars, but also writers and artists. Although the majority are located in the United States and Canada, the membership includes many representatives of Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, and Latin America. To become a member please consult the membership page (in French only).
Our Convention
Each year the CIÉF organizes a conference in a Francophone region of the world, bringing together 200-400 participants: scholars, critics, writers, and journalists from every Francophone country and region in the world. In addition to approximately one hundred interdisciplinary panels, the convention welcomes many Francophone writers (37 at the 2004 convention in Liège, for example) and organizes literary readings, meetings, and round tables with writers and artists. The convention also offers receptions sponsored by diplomatic delegations, local universities, and municipalities. Several excursions are organized during each convention. A local bookseller is also present at each convention, offering a large choice of publications in Francophone studies as well as books by authors who are present at the convention and books discussed during convention panels.
The CIÉF has held its convention various Francophone countries over the years. The 2019 convention will be held in Ottawa, Canada. For more details please consult the Congress page (in French only).
Our Affiliated Session at the MLA Convention
Please see the Call for Papers for the CIEF affiliated session at the MLA convention.
Our Scholarly Journal
Twice a year the CIÉF publishes a refereed journal, Nouvelles Études Francophones (NEF), formerly Études Francophones, which is distributed to current CIÉF members as well as to libraries and academic associations throughout the world. Nouvelles Etudes Francophones is published and distributed by the University of Nebraska Press.
Our Conseil International d’Études Francophones Award
At each convention the CIÉF bestows the Conseil International d’Études Francophones award (previously entitled the “Prix Maurice Cagnon ») in homage to Maurice Cagnon, the CIÉF’s founder in 1987. This award is given to one person, sometimes two people, for their exceptional contribution to the development of Francophone studies in the world. For more information on our yearly recipients, please visit the Award webpage.
Our Young Scholar Award
In order to encourage and help young scholars pursue their research in Francophone studies, an award in the amount of US $ 600 is given for the best Graduate student paper at each convention. See the Young Scholar page for details.
Our Electronic Newsletter
Twice a month (except during summer break in July and August), the CIÉF sends out an electronic newsletter to all members through its distribution list. This newsletter contains news from CIÉF members, publication announcements, calls for papers or articles. To submit an ad, follow the procedure displayed on the “Infolettre” page (in French only).