Fermanagh language expert Joseph Shields has joined a string of Hollywood stars as a member of France’s National Order of Arts and Letters, the country’s highest cultural award.
The Irishman received the award last night in Strasbourg for his work promoting the French language and culture.
Previous recipients of the award include Oscar-winning actor Michael Caine, Grammy award-winner Stevie Wonder and James Bond star Roger Moore.
He was nominated to be a Commander of the Arts and Letters by former French
culture minister Frédéric Mitterrand.
Mr Shields (66), from Enniskillen, worked in the Linguistics Institute of Ireland during the 1980s before moving to France to join the Council of Europe in 1992. He was head of its language policy division for almost 20 years before retiring in February last year.
The French ambassador to the Council of Europe presented Mr Shields with the medal.
