French Language Day

French Language Day History

French Language Day seeks to celebrate and promote multilingualism and cultural diversity. This global event presents an opportunity to appreciate the influence and richness of the French language. The agenda of the United Nations encourages the full participation of French-speaking members, thus showing a commitment to contribute to social progress and to uphold the ideals of linguistic equality.

While French Language Day is globally celebrated, it holds significant relevance to Canada, considering its status as a bilingual country where French is one the official languages. The genesis of this observance goes back to 2010 when the United Nations established the French Language Day, along with five other languages, to boost awareness of their historical significance and influence around the world. In Canada, French-speaking citizens share strong ties with their language, which symbolizes not only a means of communication but cultural identity, linking their history and values.

Observing French Language Day in Canada involves activities that foster the learning, use, and preservation of the French language. Schools organise cultural programmes, exhibitions, and language workshops where students connect with the French-speaking community and learn about its contribution to the Canadian cultural mosaic. Additionally, the Canadian government underscores the day's importance via media campaigns, highlighting the contribution of French-Canadians in shaping the nation's identity. French Language Day unfolds annually on March 20, coinciding with the International Day of Francophonie, providing an expansive platform to celebrate the linguistic duality and cultural diversity of Canada.

Facts about French Language Day

• According to the U.N, French is the 5th most spoken language in the world. It has over 300 million speakers.
• Decentered, multiplied, creolized as rejoiced Édouard Glissant, the French language is today spoken by nearly 300 million speakers. On this International Day of Francophonie, it is this diversity of destinies, gathered in the language that we share, that we are invited to celebrate - Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, French Language Day 2018
• There are over 1,000 French immersion schools in Canada, where students whose first language is not French study all or some of their subjects in French. It is a popular program, and demand often outstrips available spaces.
• Due to its status as an official language, Canadians have the right to be educated in French. There are French-language school systems across the country, including in provinces where the majority of residents are anglophone.

In the News and Trending in Canada for French Language Day

Top things to do in Canada for French Language Day

• Learn how you can support the International Organization of La Francophonie. La Francophonie is an organization that promotes French and aims to implement political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation within its 88 states and governments.
• Visit Quebec City: This is one of the best places to celebrate French Language Day in Canada as Quebec City is a major French-speaking city. Visitors can tour historical sites, enjoy delish French cuisine, experience French culture and language.
• Read a book to learn more about the French language:
  French: Biography of a Language - by M. B. Oates
  Speaking Up: A History of Language and Politics in Canada and Quebec - by Marcel Martel and Martin Patriquin