French Language Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about French Language Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. French Language Day is observed on March 20th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of French Language Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about French Language Day.

📅 What day is French Language Day 2024?

In 2024, French Language Day is on Monday, March 20th. It is the 3rd Monday in March; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about March 20, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

French Language Day is a special occasion that falls on March 20th, and it’s a time for us to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of French culture, language, and history. Whether or not you are fluent in French, there is so much to discover and appreciate about French culture. This event aims to celebrate the beauty of multilingualism and the diverse range of cultures it represents. While many may link the French language solely to France, it’s important to note that Africa is actually home to the largest number of French speakers. Approximately 120 million individuals across 29 African countries speak French alongside their native languages.

📜 French Language Day History

Old French was spoken from the 9th to the 12th centuries and was distinct from Latin. The Oaths of Strasbourg were the earliest known Old French documents, and the language had various dialects, including Francien, which was used in the Paris region. In the 14th and 16th centuries, Middle French incorporated elements from Latin, Greek, and Italian. The Pléiade, a group of French poets, played a significant role in promoting language and literature improvement.

The 17th century marked the modern era of French, with Cardinal Richelieu establishing the French Academy in 1635 to safeguard the language and its literature. Over time, the language evolved, influenced by artistic movements like romanticism and realism, while still remaining rooted in this period.

In 2010, the United Nations Department of Public Information introduced French Language Day to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity. The day also aims to promote the fair use of the UN’s six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Additionally, March 20 is recognized as the International Day of La Francophonie, commemorating the establishment of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) on that date in 1970.

✅ French Language Day Facts

🔖 Social media ranking
The French language ranks as the sixth most frequently used language on the internet.

🔖 Simplicity

🔖 Recognized language
French was chosen as one of the first two working languages of the United Nations.

👍 Why Is French Language Day Important

There’s no doubting that the French language is lovely. There is a vast list of great French poets, authors, and painters whose works have stood the test of time. By celebrating French Language Day, you are also paying tribute to the hardworking artists who have contributed so much beauty to the world.

French Language Day is a celebration of multilingualism and the acceptance of diversity. The holiday teaches us to appreciate various groups and cultures and to work together. Language can serve as a link between worlds.

There are many false perceptions about a place, but you will never know the whole picture unless you research. France has a rich history that has influenced and been influenced by many other countries. We owe it to ourselves to learn these realities so that we may all have a more broad and sophisticated perspective.

🙂 How To Observe French Language Day

⚡ Join the discussion
As part of the UN75 initiative, the United Nations organizes discussions worldwide to gather insights from different communities about their hopes, concerns, and personal encounters. You can take part in these conversations either by expressing your opinions or by simply listening to others, which will help you develop a broader perspective on global opinions.

⚡ Learn French
French is widely recognized as one of the most romantic languages in the world, and for good reason. If you’re curious, give it a try! You can find various online resources to help you learn French. To make it more fun, you could even challenge a friend to learn it with you and see how well you can converse in French together.

⚡ Have French cuisine
France is famous for its delicious food, and you can try making and talking about some of their most renowned dishes. There are options like onion soup, cassoulet, chocolate soufflé, and many more. If cooking is not your forte, you can visit an authentic French restaurant and share your experience by posting pictures on social media to spread the word.

📅 When is French Language Day?

View all 🔗 March holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Ethnic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about French Language Day. So be sure to check back soon.