French today is considered a top lingua franca and is the official language of 32 states and governments, that connects 321 million speakers worldwide, opening doors to global economic and cultural exchanges. Through influences in international diplomacy, business and the arts, the French language has enormous world-wide influence and is currently one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
Diplomatic Influences
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, France established multiple colonies around the world, transforming the local indigenous languages and culture of a number of nations in Africa, the Caribbean and South Pacific. During the earlier part of this period, French emerged as a language of diplomacy in Europe. Influences from the national court and individuals such as Napoleon Bonaparte helped establish it as the language medium for international agreements, including the Treaty of Versailles that ended the first world war.
Emerging Markets
Africa is a current emerging market with large economic potential, which has led to an elevated use of the French language within global business and trade. It is the primary language in regional economic organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which promotes economic integration and collaboration. The Canadian province of Quebec, on the other hand, has increased the use of the language in the conducting of investments and trade through its significant economic influence in North America within the areas of technology and aerospace.
The Cultural Influences Of French
National culture has also played a vital role in the promotion of the language worldwide; literary influences such as the work of the author Victor Hugo, fashion brands such as Luis Vuitton and the popularity of the country’s cuisine have added to the allure and captivation of language and culture.
Films showcasing French dialogue have gained large attention at the Cannes Film Festival, while TV shows such as Lupin are watched globally through streaming channels, helping to introduce the country’s media to a global audience. Musicians such as Daft Punk often include French lyrics and influences that help increase exposure and appeal.
Current Challenges
Despite the popularity of French, English is still considered the dominant global lingua franca, and continues to prevail in international business settings and within media and technology. Its own regional dialects, variations and language hybridisation also pose a threat to French standardisation. The use of English words, especially in French business settings such as ‘email’ and ‘big data’, are an ongoing cause for concern for the Académie Français, which is fighting to retain the purity of the language.
If you are interested in studying French, Oxford Home Schooling offer the chance to do so at IGCSE and A level level, linked below. You can also Contact Us for more information directly.
Who Or What Are Polyglots?
Only three percent of the world’s population can speak four or more languages. Known as polyglots – people who can fluently speak multiple languages – these individuals possess not only the ability to speak a foreign language, but enhanced cognitive abilities, empathy and a cultural understanding that AI technology cannot match.
One of the most notable polyglots of today is Ziad Fazah, known for speaking 59 different languages and currently the Guinness Book of World Records holder for most spoken.
Cognitive Advantages
Learning multiple languages stimulates our brains to build new neural pathways, helping to delay the onset of cognitive decline. Consistently navigating between languages helps our brains to build plasticity – an ability to adapt to new situations. Polyglots exhibit enhanced memory capabilities as they become skilled at learning new phrases and grammar through repetition and improved problem solving skills through the analysis of complex linguistically challenges.
Polyglots also exhibit increased attention control and focus, leading to a higher level of organisation and planning. In addition, they have an increased ability for multitasking as they become accustomed to moving between multiple languages simultaneously. Because of these benefits, polyglots tend to achieve higher levels of academic success within educational settings.
Cultural Immersion
Polyglots are considered key individuals in building cultural bridges and promoting diplomacy and understanding in an interconnected world. It gives learners a better understanding of foreign literature and values, allowing them to become fully immersed in its culture. This not only enriches cultural understanding, it helps build empathy for different ways of life and traditions. Polyglots are able to gain access to a new world of media, literature and arts, appreciating a finer intricacy and understanding of another culture. This allows for more meaningful travel experiences that are enriched with local knowledge and cultural understandings.
Professional Development
There is an increasing demand for multilingual professionals; to date, job postings for bilingual roles have doubled since 2020. This has also been reflected by the higher number of individuals seeking language courses and learning experiences. The increased need for communication skills and working internationally have seen employers favouring recruits who can work with clients across a range of global regions and are interculturally competent.
While AI technologies such as translation tools have created major advancements in crossing language barriers, it is unlikely they will be able to fully replace polyglots in the future. The reasons for this include the ability for polyglots to show cultural sensitivity and nuances, complex personal interactions and confidentiality, empathy and emotional context and specialised knowledge and artistic expression.
If you are interested in studying French or Spanish or German, Oxford Home Schooling offer you the chance to do so at a number of levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us here.
French cuisine is known for its regional diversity and rich cultural heritage. For language learners, discovering this quintessential part of French life can offer a valuable opportunity for language development and cultural understanding. Immersion within French culture allows the opportunity to engage with the language in a much more meaningful and practical way, helping to expand vocabulary, speaking and listening skills and local phrases.
Regional Diversity
Culinary practices in France are diverse; each region differs in terms of its flavours, ingredients and traditions. Provence, located in the southeast of the country, is best known for its use of herbes (herbs), legumes (vegetables) and poisson (fish) in dishes such as ratatouille and bouillabaisse. Burgundy is famed for its hearty dishes, using high-quality vin (wine), viande (meat) and its regional techniques de cuisine (cooking techniques). The region is most famous for its boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin dishes.
Situated on the border with Germany, Alsace offers a unique blend of flavours using choucroute (sauerkraut) and lard (bacon), offering dishes such as choucroute carnie (sauerkraut with sausages) and tarte flambée. Normandy is famous for its produits laitiers (dairy products) such as crème fraîche (fresh cream) and offers dishes such as Moules (mussels) à la Normande and Tarte Tatin (a fruit tart).
Visiting French Markets
The markets of France are often busy and vibrant, offering an array of fresh produce that reflects each region’s speciality ingredients, including vegetables, meats, fromages (cheeses) and pain (bread). For language learners, it is the perfect environment to practice listening and vocabulary skills, especially when picking up regional dialects and local phrases.
French markets offer a chance to practice everyday language skills and phrases such as “Combien ça coûte?” (How much does it cost?). Immersion is considered important in accelerated language learning, improving pronunciation, cultural understanding and increasing confidence.
Festivals And Culinary Traditions
Food often plays a central role in French cultural festivals. The Fête de la Gastronomie is an annual national event that celebrates national gastronomy and its culinary heritage. Held for three days at the beginning of autumn, events take place across the country in the form of cookery demonstrations, tastings, open days and food competitions. Bastille Day is a national holiday on the 14th July that celebrates France’s storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. Many people celebrate with outdoor picnics and barbeques.
The Salon du Chocolat is an annual celebration that originated in Paris and has since spread throughout the world. It is held for five days during the autumn and brings together chocolate artisans and craft products and features a chocolate fashion show, chocolate sculptures and workshops.
If you are interested in studying French, Oxford Home Schooling offers you the chance to do so at several levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us here.
What Are The Most Influential Languages In The World?
Before discussing the most influential languages, we must outline what makes a language influential. The influence of languages can be determined through various factors such as the number of speakers, economic power associated with speakers, cultural impact, political significance, and global usage. This is perhaps the classic and most logical way to assess a language’s global influence.
Modern technology has allowed an even more sophisticated answer to the question of a language’s influence. In what was a truly big data analysis, a group of scholars at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) looked at over 2.2 million book translations between 1979 and 2011 from over 150 countries and over a thousand languages, 382 million Wikipedia edits in 238 languages by 2.5 million editors, and finally reviewed 550 million tweets in 73 languages from over 17 million users! This analysis led them to postulate that the influence level of a language is less about the language itself but about how it connects to others.
It’s Not All English!
Their visio-spatial charts presented on the world economic forum website show clearly that English, with over 1.5 billion speakers and being the most heavily translated in the world, was the most actively connected and influential language. However, their research didn’t point to a dominant language after English but showed German, French, Spanish, and Japanese were the most heavily translated into and from English, and this seemed to be the next most influential cohort.
What About Chinese?
Being the second most spoken language with 1 billion speakers, it begs the question as to why Chinese isn’t the second most influential language. In fact it is due to what is termed ‘linguistic isolation’ because its usage is limited to networks such as Sina Weibo (Chinese Twitter) and Baidu Baike (Chinese Wikipedia). Russia has a similar form of linguistic isolation via VK (Russian Facebook).
Finally
This research also showed that informal communication channels like Twitter have been allowing less widely spoken languages to rise in influence. Swahili, Malay, and Filipino were over-represented on Twitter given the numbers of actual speakers.
If you are interested in studying a language, Oxford Home Schooling offer courses in French and Spanish at several levels. You can find out more on those available by clicking on the relevant subject listed below. You can also find our Contact Us page here.
Learning Another Language
Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a gateway to new cultures, opportunities, and perspectives. Today, September 26th, we celebrate the European Day of Languages, a day dedicated to recognising the value of multilingualism and language diversity.
In a world so connected, any country on the globe is no more than a few clicks away. With that in mind, the ability to speak multiple languages is a valuable asset that can open doors to personal growth and career success. In this blog post, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of being multilingual and where it can take you in your career.
Enhanced Communication Skills
Learning another language is a journey that sharpens your communication skills. Whether you’re conversing with native speakers, navigating through a foreign country, or collaborating with international colleagues, multilingualism enables you to express yourself more effectively and build deeper connections. You not only learn words and grammar but also gain insight into the nuances of culture and social norms, allowing you to communicate more sensitively and persuasively.
Cultural Awareness And Sensitivity
Language and culture are intertwined, and learning a new language often involves immersing yourself in the traditions, values, and customs of a particular community. This exposure fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity, which are invaluable in our globalised world. Being attuned to cultural differences can help you avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications and make a positive impression when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Increased Cognitive Abilities
Studies have shown that multilingualism can boost cognitive abilities. Learning and using multiple languages stimulates the brain, improving problem-solving skills, multitasking abilities, and even delaying age-related cognitive decline. It’s like giving your brain a regular workout, keeping it agile and adaptable.
Career Mobility
Being multilingual can enhance your career mobility. In some industries, opportunities for advancement and leadership positions may be more readily available to those who can communicate with a broader range of people and cultures. Multilingual employees are often considered for international assignments and can work in various regions around the world.
Knowing multiple languages can be a game-changer in the business world. It facilitates effective negotiation, market research, and relationship-building with international clients and partners. Companies often seek multilingual professionals to expand their global reach and compete in international markets.
In a job interview, having proficiency in a second or third language can set you apart from other candidates. Employers see it as a sign of adaptability, dedication, and an ability to take on challenges. It can be the differentiating factor that lands you the job.
Personal Enrichment
Beyond the career benefits, being multilingual is personally enriching. It allows you to enjoy literature, films, music, and art from different cultures in their original forms. It also enables you to connect with people on a deeper level when travelling or engaging in cultural exchanges. Learning another language can be a fulfilling and lifelong pursuit.
Making A Positive Impact
Being multilingual can empower you to make a positive impact on the world. You can volunteer or work for organisations that focus on international development, humanitarian aid, or refugee assistance. Your language skills can be a lifeline for those in need, and you can contribute to bridging linguistic and cultural gaps.
Where You Can Make That Impact
It’s all well and good talking about what you can do but where can you actually put that second (or third) language to good use? As it turns out, there are a fair few places where such a skill is invaluable:
Multinational Corporations: Tech giants, international banks, and automotive companies value employees who can communicate with international clients and partners.
Government Agencies: Foreign ministries, embassies, and customs and border protection agencies require bilingual professionals for international affairs and diplomacy.
International Organisations: The United Nations, WHO, and EU employ multilingual staff to carry out global missions.
Healthcare Institutions: Hospitals, clinics and medical facilities need bilingual medical staff and interpreters.
Educational Institutions: Schools, universities, and language institutes hire bilingual teachers and coordinators for language programs.
Translation and Localisation Companies: Firms specialising in translation and localisation actively seek bilingual professionals.
Nonprofit Organisations: NGOs involved in international development and humanitarian aid rely on bilingual professionals.
Media and Broadcasting: News organisations and media companies seek bilingual journalists and content creators for global coverage.
Start Your Journey Today
The European Day of Languages is a reminder of the rich tapestry of languages that make up our world. Embracing multilingualism is not just about learning words; it’s about embracing the richness of human culture and enhancing your own life in the process.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone passionate about lifelong learning, consider the multitude of benefits that come with being multilingual. It’s a journey that opens doors, fosters understanding, and empowers you to navigate our diverse and interconnected global community with confidence and grace.
So, on this special day, take a moment to celebrate the languages you know and to consider the languages you’d like to explore in the future. Each language you learn is a new world waiting to be discovered, and the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Happy European Day of Languages!
Language allows us to express our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Yet there are moments when words in one language defy direct translation into another. Such words often carry unique cultural and linguistic nuance. Exploring these untranslatable words not only broadens our understanding of different cultures but also offers a glimpse into the intricacies of human existence.
Schadenfreude
One such example is the German word “Schadenfreude,” which refers to the pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune. The term encapsulates the complex mix of emotions experienced when witnessing another person’s downfall. While other languages may attempt to describe the concept, “Schadenfreude” embodies the exact sentiment, reflecting the German cultural context and its acknowledgement of this complex human reaction.
Komorebi
In Japanese, the word “komorebi” refers to the interplay of light and leaves when sunlight filters through trees. It evokes a sense of tranquillity, and the word paints a vivid picture of a specific natural phenomenon. Translating “komorebi” as “sunlight through the trees” lacks the poetic essence and the emotional impact of the original word. It exemplifies the unique appreciation of nature in Japanese culture.
Sobremesa
Moving to the Spanish language, we find the word “sobremesa,” which refers to the lingering conversation and enjoyment that takes place after a meal. It captures the relaxed atmosphere, the intimate connection between people, and the unhurried enjoyment of each other’s company. “Sobremesa” embodies the importance of socialising and human connection in Spanish-speaking cultures. Untranslatable words often hold cultural and historical significance.
Taarof
In Arabic, the term “taarof” represents a complex system of social etiquette and politeness. It involves subtle gestures, deference, and a dance of compliments. “Taarof” reflects the intricate social dynamics and the deep-rooted respect ingrained in Middle Eastern cultures.
These examples illustrate how untranslatable words encapsulate unique experiences, emotions, and cultural values that are not easily expressed in other languages. They offer a glimpse into the nuances and idiosyncrasies of different societies, inviting us to appreciate the richness and diversity of human language and experience.
Illuminating The Meaning Behind Untranslatable Words
Furthermore, exploring untranslatable words encourages us to reflect on the limitations of language itself. Each language has its own history, cultural contexts, and semantic subtleties that shape the way people perceive and express the world around them. The existence of untranslatable words asks us to question how well we convey the depth of meaning and cultural nuance between different languages.
In a world increasingly interconnected by globalisation and technology, understanding and appreciating these untranslatable words can foster cultural empathy and open doors to deeper cross-cultural understanding. These words remind us of the beauty and complexity of human experiences, transcending language barriers and connecting us on a fundamental level. They serve as windows into the rich tapestry of our existence, reflecting cultural, emotional, and linguistic nuances that cannot be fully captured in translation.
Have you ever wondered how Latin evolved into the Romance languages or why some of us speak with different dialects and use different words and phrases? Language defines who we are, the cultures we live in and helps us to communicate effectively in an ever-changing world.
We, as human beings, are now more connected globally than ever before through travel, technology, business, art, literature and media. Through this melting pot of cultures, there are suggestions that some languages may be evolving at a faster rate than ever before.
Why Do Languages Evolve?
Our society and culture is forever changing, and so does our needs for effective communication. New concepts and ideas, cultural shifts, technology and social dynamics all give rise to language evolution. Through processes known as adaption, borrowing and innovation, new words and expressions may be included, old words may become unfashionable and grammar rules may be modified to help us accurately convey our meaning.
Changing Attitudes
Cultural shifts in values, beliefs and practices can be seen in the categorisation of gender identity and sexual orientation. Where boundaries have become more fluid, societies have striven to be more inclusive and respectful, leading to the adoption of gender-neutral pronoun usage, new terminology such as “non-binary” and inclusive non-gender focused terminology such as ‘police officer’ replacing policeman or policewoman.
Cultural Identity
Language is deeply intertwined with our cultures and society and can explain why some countries like Wales practice language revitalisation to preserve their heritage and avoid the loss of their language forever. They have both played a significant impact on the evolution of the Romance languages from Latin, from foreign substrate languages incorporated from the expansion of the roman empire to the later barbarian invasions of Germanic-speaking tribes after its fall.
Modern Day Influences
Globalisation has increased the level of interactions between our diverse cultures. The advent of writing systems, printing press and digital communication platforms have all significantly impacted the way languages are used and disseminated. New communication platforms like social media have increased the level of language exchange, leading to a rise in informal language use and abbreviations, emoji’s, memes and cultural appropriations.
Languages also play a significant role on an economic level, where multilingual individuals and societies can engage in international trade, diplomacy, tourism and cultural exchange more effectively. Proficiency in languages can enhance employability and create avenues for business and professional growth in a globalised world.
The Future Of Language
The dynamic nature of language evolution highlights its resilience and adaptability to changing societal needs and contexts, demonstrating that languages are living entities that reflect and respond to the diverse influences and developments within human societies.
A side effect of this evolution is that many minor languages have become endangered or extinct, as speakers shift to more dominant or widely spoken languages. This can lead to a loss of cultural identity, knowledge and cultural homogenisation. Understanding changes in language can therefore help provide insights into our linguistic past, present and future, helping us to appreciate the rich and complex nature of human communication.
Interested in learning a language while gaining a professional qualification? Oxford Open Learning’s flexible French, German and Spanish IGCSE or French and Spanish A-level accredited distance learning courses can help you learn with greater flexibility. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Language learning is a transformative journey that opens doors to new cultures, enhances communication skills, and broadens horizons. Whether for personal growth, professional opportunities or travel purposes, mastering a new language can be an immensely rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore effective tips and strategies to help you navigate the path to language proficiency and unlock the power of multilingualism.
Set Clear Goals And Stay Motivated
Establishing clear goals is essential when embarking on your journey. Define why you want to learn the language and what level of proficiency you aim to achieve. Setting specific, achievable goals helps maintain focus and motivation throughout the process. Additionally, find personal sources of inspiration, such as connecting with native speakers, exploring their literature or music, or envisioning the doors that subject fluency will open for you.
Immerse Yourself In The Language
Language learning is most effective when you create an immersive environment. Surround yourself with the target language as much as possible. Watch films, TV shows, and documentaries, listen to podcasts or music, and read books, newspapers, or online articles. Immerse yourself in the culture associated with the language, as it helps to understand the context and nuances of what you are learning.
Practice Speaking And Listening
Speaking and listening are crucial aspects of language learning. Find opportunities to practice speaking with native speakers or language exchange partners. Engage in conversations, even if you make mistakes, as it is an essential part of the learning process. Listening, whether through conversations, podcasts, or audio resources, helps improve pronunciation, comprehension, and familiarity with the language’s natural rhythm and intonation.
Build Vocabulary And Grammar Skills
Developing a robust vocabulary and understanding grammar structure is fundamental to language proficiency. Create a personalised vocabulary list and practice regularly. Use flashcards, mobile apps, or online resources to expand your word bank. Study verb conjugations, noun cases, sentence patterns, and other grammatical elements, gradually incorporating them into your speaking and writing.
Embrace Language Learning Tools And Resources
Take advantage of the vast array of learning tools and resources available today. Mobile apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or Babbel offer interactive lessons and exercises. Online platforms such as FluentU, Lingoda, or italki provide access to language tutors and virtual classrooms. Language exchange websites like Tandem or HelloTalk connect you with native speakers for conversational practice. These resources can supplement traditional textbooks and courses, making learning more accessible, engaging, and tailored to your needs.
Be Consistent And Practice Regularly
Consistency is key. Dedicate regular time to practice and study, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Short, consistent practice sessions are more effective than sporadic, intensive cramming. Incorporate language learning into your daily routine, whether it’s listening to podcasts during your commute, reviewing vocabulary before bed, or participating in language exchange sessions during your lunch break.
Embrace Mistakes And Learn from Them
Making mistakes is an inevitable part of the process in this subject. However, you should embrace them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Don’t be afraid to speak or write, even if you’re unsure of your abilities. Native speakers appreciate the effort, and feedback from others can help identify areas for such improvement. Treat mistakes as valuable stepping stones on your language learning journey.
Mastering a new language is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. But by setting clear goals, immersing yourself in the subject, practicing speaking and listening, you will gradually build up a good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar skills. And then, if you take a holiday beyond the English-speaking world, you may find it all the more enjoyable!
Oxford Home Schooling offers the chance to learn several languages itself. You can take a look by clicking on any of the links below.
Exams are, finally, over; revision notes are packed away, shredded, passed on to your sibling, or thrown on the BBQ; the endless balmy days of a British summer lie ahead of you. You can lounge in the sun, meet up with friends, and you don’t have to worry about setting an alarm. And then… and then… results day looms, that day in August* when you will open the envelope, or the message, and find out how well you have done. It’s nerve-wracking. It’s anxiety-inducing. It’s a day that some people would rather not have to deal with. But fear not. It’s not as bad as you think.
It is natural to feel concerned and worried ahead of receiving your exams results. In fact, it is healthy to feel a certain amount of anxiety about different life events. However, spending a lot of your waking hours, and maybe even being kept awake at night due to worrying, is not helpful. So if you are likely to suffer with anxiety in the run-up to your results day in August, the three top tips below might be of use.
What’s Done Is Done
Once you’ve finished your exams, you need to try and remember that there isn’t anything more you can do about results at that point. Some people forensically go back through their responses, they question their friends, they ask their tutors. In reality, it’s done. So, try and put your concerns on the shelf and move on to the next challenge, or relax.
Exams Results Are Not The End Of The World
Exams results days are important, yes, and can dictate what you do next – for example, A-Levels or university. However, if you are anxious about not doing as well as you would like, just remember: whatever results you receive, it will not mean the end of the world. Okay, so they may affect what you do next, albeit temporarily, but you can retake your exams, or maybe even your plans must change – and this might not be a bad thing. Try to rationalise the situation, it will make you feel better.
Enjoy Some “Me” Time
Feeling anxious about an upcoming event can be horrible. So, if you are affected by anxiety like this, try and build in some activities which can help to alleviate such feelings. You might take a walk in the fresh air, appreciate the environment around you. Maybe you get stuck into a good book, or go and kick a football around with your friends. Sitting around dwelling on a potential future situation is not healthy for you mentally or physically – and ‘escaping’ from this mindset in some way can be hugely beneficial.
So, if you start to feel anxious with exam results day looming, try to divert yourself. You’ll feel a whole lot better if you do.
*18th August, Exams Results for A-Level, and 25th August for GCSE.
Parlez-vous Français? Celebrating French Language Day!
March the 20th is French Language Day – also known as ‘International Francophonie Day’. In 2010, a division of the United Nations (UN) launched the occasion to itself mark the anniversary of the formation of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) in Niamey, Niger in 1970. And now on this day, clubs and organisations worldwide hold events to speak, listen and celebrate all things French language.
French is a Romance language, meaning that historically it originates from Latin. The first known documents to be written in French are the Strasbourg Oaths, which date back to 842. And though the language was once appreciated for its heady mix of culture, love and creativity – the UN advocates that nowadays, the French language is a key medium for promoting humanism and democracy.
Alongside English, French is one of the UN’s two ‘working’ languages out of its six official languages. All six languages are promoted and celebrated with their own language day throughout the year, as on a broader scale the UN is keen to promote language diversity as well as the value of using language as a catalyst to find common ground and unity. There are around 300 million French speakers worldwide, across every continent. French is the official language of 29 countries including Belgium, Niger, The Republic of the Congo, Canada to name but a few. French is becoming increasingly used within business and politics and according to a Forbes article penned in 2014 (link below), could potentially be the language of the future…
Why Learn French?
While learning a new language can seem a daunting prospect, there are huge and varied benefits to learning French. These include business, travel and study opportunities, as a basis for learning other languages in the same Romantic group (namely Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish) and improving memory function. So, if you’re considering learning French for the first time or like me, keen to pick up where you left off post-school (many, many years ago in my case), then why not give it a go? Besides, I take some comfort in noting there are quite a few less words in the French dictionary than the English!
Sources:
Languages to Learn to Get Ahead in Business I Oxford Open Learning (ool.co.uk)
BBC – Languages – French – A Guide to French – 10 facts about the French language
International Francophonie Day (unesco.org)
French Speaking Countries | Francophone Countries 2022 (worldpopulationreview.com)
