The official and national language of France is French, spoken and taught throughout the country. While French is the primary language, various regional languages and dialects also exist, especially in rural areas. Some of these include Alsatian and Flemish in the east and north, Occitan, Corsican, and Catalan in the south, Breton, and Basque. Recent immigration has also introduced non-European languages, including Arabic.
Historically, the Francien dialect became the official language in 1539, eventually replacing Latin and other dialects. Although regional languages were once discouraged, they have been reintroduced in some schools because several have maintained literary traditions. Today, French is considered one of the most internationally significant Romance languages.