French: a language spoken around the world
Each year on March 20, the International Day of La Francophonie celebrates the French language and those who keep it alive around the world. This date refers to the creation, in 1970, of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation, now known as the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
La Francophonie in numbers
According to the latest figures published by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie in its report The French Language Worldwide (2026), French is now spoken by 396 million people around the globe. Present across all five continents, it plays a significant role in education systems and international academic pathways.
To explore these figures in more detail, you can read our LinkedIn post highlighting the key insights from the OIF report.
Cultural activities throughout the week
This day is part of a broader initiative: the Week of the French Language and La Francophonie, which gives rise, in France and around the world, to a wide range of cultural and educational events.
At ILCF, this dynamic takes shape on campus through a series of activities open to students and the wider university community throughout the week.
Students’ favorite French words and expressions
Throughout the week, a stand dedicated to La Francophonie was set up on the Carnot campus.
Visitors were invited to share their favorite French word and/or a french expression of their choice.
A simple initiative, yet one that reveals the personal connection each individual has with the language. Some words evoke memories, others a particular sound, an image, or a uniquely French way of expressing an idea.
The contributions were collected and brought together into word and expression clouds, featuring a mix of well-known favorites, personal picks, and a few more unexpected choices. More than just language exercises, these activities encouraged students to use French in authentic situations while discovering the diversity of the French-speaking world.
Which French words and expressions inspired our students the most? Discover the results below.
Putting students’ French skills to the test
On Friday, March 20, to mark the International Day of La Francophonie, several key moments punctuated the week.
ILCF students took part in an open dictation as well as a quiz on the French language and Francophone culture. Spelling, vocabulary, cultural references—these activities allowed everyone to put their knowledge into practice in a setting that was both educational and friendly.
Beyond the activities themselves, students experienced French in a different way by combining language learning, cultural discovery and meaningful exchanges with others.
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