French Language Day is a holiday dedicated to the French language. This is the day to learn more about France, its culture, and the language itself. It is annually on March 20.
History
The holiday was established in 2010 at the initiative of the UN Department of Public Information. It was created to preserve culture and maintain linguistic diversity.
The history of French Language Day covers all the historical periods of the country, which had a direct impact on its language. In the 5th-3rd centuries B.C., the lands of France were called Gaul. This state was mostly inhabited by Celtic tribes who spoke their native language. However, after the Roman invasion and conquest of the land, Latin began to be used throughout the territory.
The presence of various tribes in what is now France has given rise to a unique language derived from Celtic, Latin, and numerous dialects. From about the 800s to the 1400s A.D., the so-called Old French language was used. Later came Middle French, in which one could see the distinctive features of Latin and Italian.
The transition to modernity began in 1635, when Cardinal Richelieu formed the Académie Française. Great attention was paid to the development and preservation of the language. Thus, the French language began to take the form known today.
Interesting facts
- French is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
- French is very popular in Africa. It is spoken by about 120 million people. This situation is explained from a historical point of view: France had the overwhelming majority of colonies in Africa.
How to celebrate
On this day, you can sign up for French courses or just learn a few phrases. A great way to celebrate this day is to travel to France to learn more about the country’s culture.
Spread the word on social media. Ask other users if they know French. If not, don’t they want to learn it?
When is French Language Day in 2025?
French Language Day is observed on March 20 each year.
Observations
Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
Thursday | March | 20 | 2025 |
Friday | March | 20 | 2026 |
Saturday | March | 20 | 2027 |
Monday | March | 20 | 2028 |
Tuesday | March | 20 | 2029 |