French Language Day is celebrated on March 20, offering a great opportunity to dive into French culture, language, and history. This day honors multilingualism and cultural diversity.
While many associate French with French, it’s interesting to note that Africa has the most French speakers, with around 120 million people across 29 countries speaking French alongside their native languages.
So, even if you don’t speak French, there’s plenty to explore and appreciate about this rich and diverse culture.
What Is French Language Day?
A day to celebrate the French language and its culture helps raise awareness about its history and global use. It also promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity around the world.
Why Learn French?
Learning French might seem challenging, but it comes with numerous benefits. It can open doors to business, travel, and study opportunities, serve as a foundation for learning other Romance languages like Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish, and even boost your memory.
Whether you’re learning French for the first time or picking it up again after many years, why not give it a try? Plus, it’s reassuring to know that French has fewer words than English!
UN French Language Day – History
March 20 is celebrated as French Language Day because it marks the establishment of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) in 1970, which later became the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).
This organization represents countries and regions where French is commonly spoken. IN 2010, the UN’s Department of Public Information designated French Language Day to honor multilingualism and cultural diversity.
The day also promotes the equal use of all six official UN languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Significance
Language Days provide a chance for people to learn about language history, culture, and usage. Multilingualism is a key value of the United Nations, and observing Language Days reflects its commitment to promoting it, fostering cultural harmony, and building spaces of solidarity and understanding.
History Of The French Language Day
French is often described as smooth, elegant, and aesthetically pleasing, with roots in Vulgar Latin from the Roman Empire. Originally, Gaul, now France, spoke Gaulish, a Celtic language, but it transitioned to Latin under Roman rule.
Later, Germanic invasions influenced the language. Old French, spoken from the ninth to thirteenth centuries, differed from Latin. The modern period of French began in the seventeenth century, marked by Cardinal Richelieu’s establishment of the French Academy in 1635 to preserve the language and its literature.
Importance Of Multilingualism
In 2010, the UN initiated Language Days to honour its six official languages. Multilingualism fosters tolerance and engagement in the UN’s endeavors, facilitating effective communication across diverse peoples and cultures.
Interesting Facts About French
French ranks as the sixth most spoken language globally and the fourth within the European Union, with approximately 220 million speakers worldwide. About 45% of modern English words have French origins.
It holds significant influence in diplomacy and is taught universally alongside English. French culinary and ballet terms are widely recognized internationally.
Interestingly, French lacks words containing “W” and was once Europe’s official language. The four major French-speaking cities are Paris, Kinshasa, Montréal, and Brussels.
UN French Language Day Quotes
“In the French Language, there is a great gulf between prose and poetry; in English, there is hardly any difference found. ” – Victor Hugo.
“One thing I can say about the French language is that no one in the World loves their speech as much as they do.” – Mads Mikkelsen.
“If French is no longer the language of a power, it can be the tongue of a counter power.” – Lionel Jospin
“French is the language that turns dirt into romance.” – Stephen King
Commonly Used French Words
- Bonjour – Hello, Good morning
- Au revoir – Goodbye
- Merci – Thank you
- Oui – Yes
- Non – No
- Monsieur – mister, sir, gentleman
- Excusez-moi – Excuse me
- Beau – Handsome
- Amour – Love
- Bonsoir – Good evening
We use plenty of French words in English. Around 30% of English words come from the French language. There are around 7,000 French words in the English tongue at present. Let’s have a look at some of the common French words used in English.
- Apostrophe
- Aviation
- Bachelor
- Bureau
- Chauffeur
- Chauffeur
- Debris
- Energy
- Expatriate
- Facade
- Fiance
- Gallery
- Gazette
- Heritage
- Hotel
- Insult
- Jubilee
- Magnificent
- Massage
- Menu
- Novel
- Occasion
- Omelette
- Premiere
- Restaurant
- Rich
- Salad
- Soup
- Television
- Tournament
- Uniform
- Variety
- Valid
- Zest
The Theme For The French Language
The OIF’s theme, “The Francophonie of the Future,” emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship in French. The UN collaborates with OIF members to promote this language worldwide.
How To Observe French Language Day
Brush up on your French, or take on the challenge of learning a new tongue! If you’re already fluent, compare your French with the variations spoken in other countries or regions. Notice how the words, meanings, and usage differ.
Here are some fun ways to explore the French language:
- Find words in your native speech that come from French.
- Watch a French-language film or listen to French music.
- Cook using a French cookbook. Many culinary terms are still very French, so look up their correct pronunciations and meanings to learn more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, This Day serves as a celebration of the rich history, cultural significance, and global influence of the French language.
It highlights the importance of linguistic diversity and fosters appreciation for the beauty and versatility of French worldwide.
Through commemorating this day, we honour the contributions of French-speaking communities and recognize the enduring legacy of this speech in shaping our global landscape.
FAQ’s
Why Is French Language Day Celebrated?
This Day, observed on March 20th, aims to increase awareness and appreciation for the history, culture, and accomplishments associated with each of the six official languages of the United Nations.
What Is A French Day?
French Days occur biannually, typically in the spring and autumn seasons. Throughout this event, numerous retailers, both online and in physical stores, provide significant discounts on a diverse array of products, including clothing, accessories, electronics, and household appliances.
Why Is July 14 A French Holiday?
“Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille—a military fortress and prison—on July 14, 1789, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution with a violent uprising.”
What Is France’s Motto?
A product of the Age of Enlightenment, the motto “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” emerged during the French Revolution. While its validity was frequently debated, it eventually solidified during the Third Republic.
