When did the UN French Language Day start?
About UN French Language Day Holiday
UN French Language Day is a day that recognizes the importance of the French language. As one of the most spoken languages in the world, French has a rich history and is the language of many diverse cultures. March 20 marks the celebration of UN French Language Day, which celebrates the linguistic and cultural diversity of this language.
Since its launch in 2010, UN French Language Day has become a special event in many parts of the world. On this day, traditional celebrations take place, including dancing, singing, poetry and music. Celebrations also feature creative competitions, art exhibitions and lectures on the history and importance of the French language.
UN French Language Day is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to rejoice in the beauty of the French language and to broaden their knowledge of it. It is also a great opportunity for French speakers to network, exchange ideas and appreciate the culture and history of their language.
UN French Language Day, March 20th
UN French Language Day is celebrated annually on March 20th and recognizes the achievements of the French language around the world. The day is intended to help bring awareness to the significance and importance of the French language. There is an increasing need to strengthen and reinforce the presence of French in the international community, and UN French Language Day serves to support that goal.
History and Origin
UN French Language Day was created in 2010 by the General Conference of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in order to celebrate the influence of the French language. UNESCO UN French Language Day is held on the same day as the International Francophonie Day while also aligning with the same aims and principles.
UN French Language Day is unique in that it is the only day under UNESCO’s calendar dedicated specifically to a language and its associated cultures. The day honors the contributions to humanity that French has made over the centuries. The language has grown from a small collection of dialects into one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Significance and Meaning
The purpose behind UN French Language Day is to promote the values, such as the French culture, the diversity of cultures, and the values of peace and reconciliation that are expressed through the French language. To put this day into perspective, French is spoken by an estimated 220 million people in the world as their first language. This does not include those that speak French as a second language, so in total, it is estimated that there are approximately 750 million French speakers.
Another important significance of UN French Language Day is to highlight the need for Francophone countries to reinforce the presence of French within the region. The Francophone culture is incredibly diverse and in the past two decades the French language has grown in importance as an international language. Consequently, UN French Language Day furthers educational, cultural, and social cooperation among member states in the Francophone world, and provides a platform for the language and culture to be celebrated.
Traditions and Celebrations
One of the best ways to celebrate UN French Language Day is by speaking out and celebrating the language any way possible. This can be done in many different ways, from film screenings, poetry readings, and music events to educational initiatives and other language events that are specific to the French language.
The decision to create a French Language Day has not been without controversy. The French government voiced its concerns, claiming that the day would favor English over French. Despite the controversy, UN French Language Day is still widely celebrated and can be used as a great opportunity to get people involved with the language and the culture in a fun and positive way.
Geographical Spread
French is spoken by an estimated 220 million people as their first language, spread across the globe with the largest proportion of native speakers living in Europe. French is the official language in 29 countries, as well as one of the official languages in Canada. French is also one of the official languages of the United Nations and of the European Union.
In addition to its far-reaching geography, French is also well represented in the world of literature, art, music, theater, and cinema. French romantic songs, jazz, folklore, rap, hip hop, classical music, and electronic music are all popular forms of music that derive from the French language. French literature has also gained international recognition, with works by French authors such as Honoré de Balzac, Jules Verne, Alfred de Musset, and Marcel Proust being widely read all over the world.
Modern-Day Observations
Today, UN French Language Day is celebrated across the world and has become an important moment for celebrating the value and the importance of the French language. Participants can join in classroom activities, watch French films, listen to French music, become exposed to French literature, and familiarize themselves with traditional French customs.
The day also offers a great opportunity to deepen dialogue and exchange between the Francophone world and culture. Through the medium of French, the day invites everyone to get involved in the celebration of the language and its culture. In addition to the activities held at various educational institutions, many international organizations and embassies have also joined in the festivities.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
- UN French Language Day is the only day dedicated to a language under UNESCO’s calendar.
- French is the second-most learned language in the world.
- French ranks as the 6th most spoken language as a native language.
- France is the world’s largest country for the production of films.
- French is one of the official languages of the United Nations and of the European Union.
Conclusion
UN French Language Day offers an amazing opportunity to recognize and celebrate the impact French has had on the world and to bring together people from all over the globe to honor the beautiful language. The day is marked by educational events, films, theatre, music events, literary readings, and other events to bring a greater appreciation of the many aspects of the French language.
The day is an excellent reminder of why the French language is one of the most influential and respected languages spoken in the world, not just as an official language but also through its amazing culture and literature. French has been a part of the world’s cultural, political, and social development and continues to affect many lives and countries.
How to Say "UN French Language Day" In Different Languages?
- Dutch
- VN Franse taaldag (nl-NL)
- Finnish
- Ranskan kielipäivä (fi-FI)
- French
- Journée internationale de la Francophonie (fr-CA)
- German
- Tag der französischen Sprache (de-DE)
- Hebrew
- יום השפה הצרפתית (he-IL)
- Norwegian
- FN fransk språkdag (nb-NO)
- Polish
- Dzień języka francuskiego (pl-PL)
- Portuguese
- Dia Internacional da Língua Francesa (pt-PT)
- Romanian
- Ziua Limbii Franceze (ro-RO)
- Russian
- Всемирный день французского языка (ru-RU)
- Spanish
- Día Internacional de la Lengua Francesa (es-ES)
- Swedish
- Internationella dagen för franska språket (sv-SE)
- Tunisian Arabic
- يوم اللغة الفرنسية لأمم المتحدة (ar-TN)
UN French Language Day Also Called
International Francophonie Day or Journée Internationale de la Francophonie.Countries where "UN French Language Day" is celebrated:
- :: Africa
- :: Cote D'Ivoire
- :: Republic of the Congo
- :: Senegal
- :: Europe
- :: Belgium
- :: France
- :: Switzerland
- :: North America
- :: Canada
- :: United States of America
FUN FACT:
In year 1999, UN French Language Day is celebrated on March 20 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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