French Language Day

French Language Day History

French Language Day aims to promote the use of the French language and to encourage respect and understanding between differing cultures and linguistic groups. The day aims to increase awareness of and promote the French language, one of the six official languages of the UN, and its contribution to global heritage and culture.

The origins of French Language Day date back to 2010, when it was first established by the UN to celebrate linguistic diversity and to promote the use of its six official languages equally. For Kiwis, the link between New Zealand and the French-speaking world is primarily historical, cultural, and scholarly. New Zealanders are encouraged to acknowledge French Language Day due to the influential French culture, from café culture to cinema, to literature, to politics, it reminds us of the varied cultural experiences we can enjoy through language learning.

French Language Day in New Zealand is celebrated in various ways from learning French phrases, to tasting French cuisine, and experiencing French art and culture. Educational institutions, cultural organizations and francophone communities across New Zealand often host events like workshops, competitions, and exhibitions to recognize the French language and its cultural influence. Just like any other UN language days, French Language Day happens on a fixed date, the 20th of March, universally without variation specific to New Zealand.

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
• French explorers such as Jean-François-Marie de Surville were among the very first Europeans to visit and map much of New Zealand. As a result, there are still existing place names in New Zealand of French origin.
• There are various French language media sources in New Zealand including newspapers and radio stations. TV5 Monde, a global French-language TV network, is available via cable and satellite television.

In the News and Trending in NZ for French Language Day

Top things to do in NZ 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 French Restaurants: Celebrate the day by enjoying some French cuisine at traditional French restaurants or bakery-cafes such as La Fourchette in Auckland or Le Cordon Bleu in Wellington.
• Read a book to learn more about the French language:
  French All-in-One For Dummies - by Consumer Dummies
  Living Language French, Complete Edition - by Living Language
  Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It - by Gabriel Wyner