Date
Thursday
Mar
20

March 20

French Language Day

Experience the beauty of French on French Language Day - brush up on your language skills and add a touch of elegance to your day!

Yearly Date
March 20
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

Celebrate French Language Day on March 20th and embrace the beauty of the language! French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 220 million people speaking it across all five continents. It has a history that dates back to the 6th century, when it was first used as a lingua franca between European countries. With its elegant syntax, melodious accents and rich culture, it's no wonder that French is still celebrated today. So why not join in the festivities and learn a few words or phrases in this beautiful language?

French Language Day Timeline

842
Birth of Old French
The Oaths of Strasbourg, written in Old French, the earliest form of French, date back to this year.
1539
French Becomes Official Language
Francis I of France decreed French as the official language of the country, replacing Latin, through the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts.
1880s
Alliance Française Founded
Organisation established to promote French language and culture around the world.
1970
Creation of La Francophonie
Creation of the International Organization of La Francophonie to unite French-speaking countries and regions around the world.
2010
UN French Language Day
The United Nations establishes March 20th as UN French Language Day to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity.

How to Celebrate French Language Day

1

Learn a French phrase

Take some time to learn a new French phrase every day. Whether it’s a greeting, an expression, or an idiom, learning a new phrase is always exciting and can be a great way to practice your French skills.

2

Host a French movie night

Pop some popcorn and pick out a French film for the evening. This can be a great opportunity to watch something in French with friends or family and learn about the culture.

3

Write poetry in French

Writing poetry in French can be an excellent way to express yourself and enhance your language skills. Whether it’s writing your own original work or translating an existing poem, this is a great way to celebrate French Language Day.

4

Listen to Francophone music

Take some time to listen to some Francophone music from around the world. There is plenty of music from France, as well as other countries that speak French such as Belgium, Canada and Switzerland.

5

Visit a Francophone city

If you have the opportunity to travel, why not take a trip to one of the many Francophone cities around the world? From Paris to Montreal, there are plenty of cities where you can explore and experience the culture firsthand.

Why We Love French Language Day

A

French is rich in culture

The French language has a rich and fascinating history - from its Latin origins to the influence of the Norman Conquest in 1066. Through art, literature, and music, the French language reflects centuries of history and culture that should be celebrated!

B

French is widely spoken

French is not only the official language of France, but it's also spoken in many other countries around the world including Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and several African nations. Plus, it's even an official language of the United Nations!

C

Learning French can open up new opportunities

By learning the French language, you can gain access to exciting new career opportunities such as being a translator or interpreter. Knowing French can also help you better understand cultures where French is commonly spoken, giving you a greater appreciation for other cultures and ways of life.

French Language Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 19
Sunday
2024
Mar 19
Tuesday
2025
Mar 19
Wednesday
2026
Mar 19
Thursday
2027
Mar 19
Friday