Toubon Law

The Toubon Law (full name: law 94-665 of 4 August 1994 relating to usage of the French language), is a law of the French government mandating the use of the French language in official government publications, advertisements, and some other contexts. The law does not concern non-commercial communications, web pages or publications from individuals or private bodies.

Related Topics:
4 August - 1994 - French language

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The law takes its common name from Jacques Toubon, a conservative, who was Minister of Culture when it was passed and who proposed the law to Parliament. A nickname is Loi Allgood – "Allgood" is a syllable-per-syllable translation of "Toubon" into English, whereas the law can largely be considered to have been enacted in reaction to the increasing usage of English in advertisements and other occasions in France.

Related Topics:
Jacques Toubon - Conservative - English

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The law was met by mixed reactions in France. It was often criticized in other countries, particularly English-speaking countries, often according to inaccurate and excessive understandings of its scope.

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