Languages of Monaco
The official language of Monaco is French, but there are several languages spoken, including Monégasque, the national language of the Monegasque people.
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[edit] French
French is the only official language in Monaco, a result of the dominant role France has long had over the microstate (see Franco-Monegasque Treaty) since Napoleonic times.
[edit] Monégasque
Monégasque is the national language of the Monegasque people (who represent only 21.6% of the total population, but growing from 19.0% in 2000[1]). It is a dialect of Ligurian, somewhat similar to Italian.
Because the Monégasques are only a minority in Monaco, Monégasque was threatened with extinction in the 1970s.[citation needed] However, the language is now being taught in schools, and its continuance is regarded as secured.[citation needed] In the old part of Monaco, the street signs are marked with Monégasque in addition to French.
At his coronation, Albert II, Prince of Monaco, made a speech to his people in the language.
[edit] Italian
Standard Italian is also a major language in Monaco. Italian nationals make up 19% of the total population, down from 20% in 2000.[1]
Italian was the official language of Monaco when it was a Protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia (from 1814 to 1861).[2]
[edit] English
There is also an English-speaking community in Monaco (8.5% of overall population being from Britain or USA, and population from other anglophone nations will be too insignificant and will be counted within the category of "other," below),[1] and many[quantify] English-speaking tourists and vacationers visit the city.
Princess Grace Kelly, mother of the current prince, was American and all three of her children grew up speaking English and other languages.[3]
[edit] Occitan
Occitan (or Lenga d'òc) has also traditionally been spoken in Monaco (particularly when it covered a larger geographical territory), but it is rarely used today. Occitan is a local language of Monaco.[citation needed]
[edit] Other
Belgian, Swiss, and German are approximately 2.5% each of the overall population, and "other" constitute a further 15%.[1] Some 125[citation needed] nationalities make up the population of Monaco.
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b c d Monaco IQ (English language), referencing Chapter One of Files and Reports&InfoSujet=General Population Census 2008&6Gb|2008 census (gouv.mc not an English source)
- ^ History of Monaco
- ^ Grace Kelly's last interview, 22 June 1982, on ABC's 20/20
