Interesting facts about French language that you should know – from being called love language to influencing English language.
French language – with its elegant pronunciation and rich vocabulary – has influenced numerous fields, including art, cuisine, cinema and fashion.
Here are 5 must know facts about French language.
Higlights
1. Romance Language:
The French language is classified as a Romance language, signifying its evolution from Latin. It shares its origins with other Romance languages such as Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. However, French has also been significantly influenced by Celtic, Frankish, and Germanic languages.
2. Global Language:
French serves as the primary language in numerous countries worldwide, including France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, as well as parts of Africa and the Caribbean. Moreover, it holds official language status in various international organizations like the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, and the International Red Cross.
3. Language of Diplomacy:
Throughout history, French has held a dominant position as the language of diplomacy and international relations. Although its prominence has somewhat diminished, French remains a crucial language within diplomatic circles, particularly in Europe and Africa. Many diplomatic documents and treaties continue to be written in French.
4. Influence on English:
The English language has been greatly influenced by French, especially following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Consequently, English has adopted numerous words and phrases from French, spanning from everyday vocabulary (such as “restaurant,” “ballet,” and “cuisine”) to legal and academic terminology.
French language lesson from Lily Rose Depp.
Remember FRIENDS episode where Joey learns French?
5. Language of Culture and Literature:
French boasts a rich literary heritage, with renowned authors like Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, and Marcel Proust contributing to its esteemed canon. French literature has left a profound impact on writers and intellectuals worldwide. Additionally, French cinema, art, fashion, and cuisine are globally celebrated, further enhancing the cultural prestige of the language.
5 best French horror films you should watch.
Source : Youtube.