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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

Lebanese-born writer Amin Maalouf becomes guardian of French language

Louis XIII
Amin Maalouf is the 33rd person to lead the Académie Française since it was set up by King Louis XIII in 1635. © LOIC VENANCE / AFP

French-Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf has taken over the role of “perpetual secretary” of the Académie Française, a body that serves as the custodian and promoter of the French language.

Maalouf, 74, was elected leader of the prestigious Paris-based institution this week, becoming the 33rd leader of the academy since it was set up in 1634 by Louis XIII.

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