Why is French the second language on so many product labels?

Why is French the second language on so many product labels?

In America, Spanish is the second most widely spoken language, next to of course English. So why do I see so many product labels with French as a second language instead of Spanish? I very rarely encounter anyone who speaks French in America, but there are very many Spanish speakers. (I have nothing against the speakers of either language of course.)

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7 Comments for Why is French the second language on so many product labels?

  • 1. Kari  |  November 30th, 2010 at 11:50 am

    The products that you use are probably also used in Canada where French is spoken. Many companies like to use the same label if they can.

  • 2. Alex F  |  November 30th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    English is the language of people in England, and with France being next to us it just naturally seems right that French is the next language in the list.

  • 3. Jacob M  |  November 30th, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    It might be sold in Canada, where French is more prominent. Other than that, I couldn’t think of a reason.

  • 4. Speed°Madness°Flying Saucers  |  November 30th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    It’s for the benefit of the Quebecois. I’m seeing and liking quite a lot of Spanish on our products, now. Remember, NAFTA goes North, as well as South.

  • 5. Alaric  |  November 30th, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    yes because of canada, where they need french labeling by law, so if u market in the u.s. AND canada, that’s what u do. spanish is widely used here, but not legally mandated.

  • 6. StarFire  |  November 30th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    Well here in Canada, English and French are our two official languages. Quebec is primarily French, and most of the rest of Canada is primarily English, but both languages are used throughout the country. (I’m not from Quebec, but even where I am I hear people speaking French a decent amount of the time.) As a result, regulations up here say that there needs to be both English and French on the label of products.

    I realize French is hardly encountered in America, but the reason you’re seeing French product labelling is probably from one of two reasons: 1) It’s a Canadian product, or 2) the product could have a different country of origin, but it is marketed to both countries.

    I found this interesting since I’m used to seeing French labelling, so on my trips to America I find myself subconsciously noticing that products generally have either just English on the label or English and Spanish, and I can’t help but mentally double take :P

  • 7. Charles G  |  November 30th, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    Here is my take for what it’s worth. Until the 2nd World War French used to be the world’s leading international language in the fields of international diplomacy and politics and hence regulations and standards. The use of French on product labels is a historical throw-back to those times. I think you’ll find that most products in the US with French translations come from European companies. In Europe, passports and other international documents still contain French translations

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