How Do You Spell TOUBON LAW?

Pronunciation: [tˈa͡ʊbən lˈɔː] (IPA)

The "toubon law" is a French regulation requiring the use of the French language in advertising, business, and workplace environments. The pronunciation of this word is "too-bawn" (/tuːbɑ̃/), with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of "toubon" can be confusing for non-native French speakers, as the "-bon" ending is pronounced like "-bawn." This law was named after Jacques Toubon, a former French Minister of Culture who introduced the legislation in 1994 to promote the use of the French language and protect it from the influence of English.

TOUBON LAW Meaning and Definition

1. The "Toubon Law" refers to a French legislation officially known as the "Law 94-665 of 4 August 1994 on the use of the French language." This law, named after the French culture minister at the time, Jacques Toubon, aims to protect the French language by establishing regulations on its usage in various contexts, specifically in official, administrative, and economic sectors.

   The Toubon Law requires that French be the language used in every aspect of public life, including all public documents, notices, contracts, and public services. It mandates the use of French in advertising, packaging, signs, and labeling of products marketed in France. The goal is to preserve and promote the French language's identity and cultural significance, as well as to ensure the comprehension and accessibility of public information for all citizens.

   The law also regulates the linguistic aspects of media broadcasting, specifying a requirement for French language dominance in radio and television programs, promoting the nation's linguistic diversity and the use of French as the primary mode of communication. It also mandates the protection and promotion of regional languages within France, reinforcing the country's commitment to cultural diversity while prioritizing the French language.

   The Toubon Law has received criticism over the years, with opponents arguing that it restricts freedom of expression and hampers France's ability to compete in the global marketplace. Nonetheless, it remains a significant piece of legislation in France's ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote the primacy of the French language in its diverse social and economic contexts.

Etymology of TOUBON LAW

The term "toubon law" refers to the French law called "loi Toubon". It is named after its primary architect and promoter, Jacques Toubon, who served as the French Minister of Culture from 1993 to 1997.

The law was officially known as "La loi du 4 août 1994 relative à l'emploi de la langue française", which translates to "The law of August 4, 1994, concerning the use of the French language". It aimed to protect and promote the French language in various domains, including public administration, justice, education, advertising, and workplace communication.

The term "toubon law" is not derived from any specific etymology but is rather a colloquial way of referring to this legislation.