Translations and Other Language Solutions in French Language

French became an international language during the Middle Ages thanks to the massive influence of the Kingdom of France. It replaced Latin in the 17th century as the lingua franca of educated Europeans, and it became the main language of diplomacy and intelligence in Europe in the 18th century. At first, most French-speaking countries were French colonies. French colonialism from the 17^th to 19^th centuries spread French in multiple regions of the world. At the end of the 18^th century and the beginning of the 19^th century, France lost control over most of its colonies as a result of war activities. The second French colonial empire was formed at the end of the 19^th century when France gained control over multiple countries in North Africa, as well as Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali. During the First World War, most French colonies gained independence, but they still use French as one of the main languages. 29 Francophone countries in Europe, Africa, Canada, the USA, and Asia speak French. It is the official language of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. The Francophonie consists of those world countries, whose official language is French or a significant part of its population speaks French, or where French and French culture has left a substantial historical and cultural legacy. Eighty-eight countries and territories on five continents participate in this organisation. French is the native language for around 80 million people, but around 300 million people speak it worldwide. It is the official language in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco, Luxembourg, Canada, Haiti, Vanuatu, and 21 African countries. Most French speakers live in Africa – around 115 million people. The biggest French-speaking diasporas live in Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Morocco, Mexico, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Former French colonies often use French as a compromise between local languages after gaining independence.

The history of diplomatic relationships between Latvia and France is more than 100 years old. Thanks to Alexandre Millerand, president of France, Latvia was recognised de jure. France also never recognised Latvia’s annexation as part of the Soviet Union. The diplomatic relations between Latvia and France were renewed in 1991. The president of France, Alexandre Millerand, was the first Western leader who visited Latvia after it gained independence. The cooperation between both countries continues to develop as of right now, both bilaterally and within the framework of the European Union and NATO. Both countries have signed an action plan for 2018−2022, that states specific actions to improve cooperation between both countries. In 1997, both countries signed a cooperation agreement pertaining to culture, education, science, and technology. The French institute in Latvia has an important role in facilitating and consolidating cooperation. Francophonie days in Riga and other regions in Latvia have become a tradition. Successful cooperation has been established in education as well. One can study at Jules Verne Riga French School. Additionally, the French government grants scholarships to Latvian students every year, and several thousand students in Latvia are studying French. France is considered a significant economic trade partner of Latvia. Also, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia is operating in France. There is great cooperation between the two countries in the area of defence as well. France was one of the first countries that the Ministry of Defence started cooperating with. Likewise, France has already carried out six NATO Airspace Policing missions in the Baltic States.