maître de conférences
The French phrase for university lecturer is maître de conférences.
A university lecturer is a permanent academic staff member who teaches and conducts research at a university. You may also use enseignant-chercheur, which translates to "teacher-researcher", to refer to this professional category and highlight the dual role of teaching and research.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase maître de conférences literally translates to "master of conferences".
Which one should you use?
In the French academic hierarchy, a maître de conférences occupies a lower rank than a professeur des universités.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, a university lecturer is often referred to as a professeur.
Did you know?
- In France, a maître de conférences must pass a national competition called a concours to earn their permanent status.
- In France, the title maître de conférences is a permanent civil service position, meaning the lecturer is technically a state employee.
- The word maître is a linguistic relative of the English 'master' and the Italian 'maestro', as all three originate from the Latin magistrum.
Examples in context
- Mon frère est maître de conférences en histoire.My brother is a university lecturer in history.
- Le nouveau maître de conférences est très dynamique.The new university lecturer is very dynamic.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are discussing their career goals.
- EmmaQue veux-tu faire après ton doctorat, Nathan ?What do you want to do after your PhD, Nathan?
- NathanJ'aimerais devenir maître de conférences.I would like to become a university lecturer.
- EmmaC'est un poste très compétitif.It is a very competitive position.
- NathanOui, mais j'adore la recherche et l'enseignement.Yes, but I love research and teaching.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, maître, CC BY-SA 4.0.
