INTERNATIONAL DAY

French Language Day

French Language Day is a day to celebrate linguistic diversity and the cultural richness it brings.

MAR20

Saturday, March 20Every year on March 20

days to go

Roots: Established by the United Nations in 2010
Vibe: A celebration of culture and communication
Also on Mar 20: International Day of Happiness · Future Generations Day · Macaron Day
Hashtag: #FrenchLanguageDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Learn ten phrases

Pick up a few everyday French phrases and practice saying them aloud.

WITH FRIENDS

Cook French-style

Try a simple French recipe together, like crepes or ratatouille.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Label everything

Tape French words on classroom or office objects for a day of learning.

Fast facts

Over 300 millionFrench speakers worldwide

French is an official language in 29 countries

The story

French Language Day is observed annually on March 20, a date chosen to promote the French language and its global significance. Established by the United Nations in 2010, this day serves as an opportunity to highlight the cultural contributions of the French-speaking community around the world.

Read the full story

With over 300 million speakers, French is one of the most widely spoken languages globally. It is an official language in 29 countries, including Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland. French Language Day encourages people to engage with this vibrant language and explore its rich literary and artistic heritage.

As a key language of diplomacy and international relations, French plays a critical role in global communication. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering understanding among different cultures.

In the United States, French Language Day is celebrated through various events, including film screenings, cooking classes, and language workshops. Schools often engage students with activities that promote French culture, making this day a cherished occasion for many.

Did you know?

French is the second most studied language in the world.

A UNESCO initiative

The UN established French Language Day to promote multilingualism.

Cultural impact

French has influenced many languages, including English.

Art and fashion

Paris is a global hub for art, fashion, and cuisine.

Historical significance

French was once the international language of diplomacy.

Literary contributions

France has produced numerous Nobel Prize-winning authors.

Global events

Many cities host French-themed events on March 20.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

FRFranceThe heart of French culture, France is known for its rich history, art, and gastronomy.
BEBelgiumBelgium has a significant French-speaking population, particularly in the Wallonia region.
CACanadaCanada is home to a vibrant French-speaking community, especially in Quebec.
CHSwitzerlandFrench is one of the four official languages of Switzerland, predominantly spoken in the western part.
CMCameroonCameroon is a bilingual country with both French and English as official languages.
BOBoliviaIn Bolivia, French is taught in schools and spoken by a small segment of the population.