As you sit in front of your TV and look forward to the opening ceremony of the Olympics with bated breath, have you ever wondered why the host always opens in French, then English, and finally the language of the host country? This interesting phenomenon has deep historical roots and cultural symbols behind it.
Let's travel back in time to the end of the 19th century. In France, a pedagogue and historian named Pierre · de · Coubertin dreamed of reviving the ancient Olympic Games. He firmly believes that sport is not only a way to exercise the body, but also a bridge to promote international peace and understanding. So, on his initiative, the IOC was established in 1894, and two years later, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece.
Coubertin was not only the founder of the modern Olympic Games, but also the first Secretary-General and second President of the International Olympic Committee. As a France, he naturally hopes that the Olympics will leave a mark on France culture. As a result, French became one of the official languages of the Olympic Games, a tradition that continues to this day. No matter where the Olympics are held in the world, whether it's Tokyo, London or Rio de Janeiro, French is always the first language to sound at the opening ceremony. Can you imagine? Even on non-French-speaking soil, the elegance of the French language led the way to the opening of the Olympic Games.
However, the story of the Olympics does not stop at Coubertin's France feelings. Over time, the Olympics have attracted athletes and spectators from all over the world. In order to better serve a global audience, English became another official language. As the most widely spoken language in the world today, English ensures that a wider audience can understand and participate in this sporting extravaganza. This arrangement is not only a respect for the language, but also an inclusive and caring for the global audience.
Imagine the opening ceremony, when the host announces in French: "Mesdames et Messieurs, bienvenue aux Jeux Olympiques!" (Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Olympic Games!) Do you feel a unique solemnity and elegance? Then, when the phrase is repeated in English: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Olympic Games!" , you'll find that international intimacy coming to you. Finally, the host said it again in the language of the host country, such as Chinese when it was held in China: "Hello everyone, welcome to the Olympic Games!" This familiar voice makes the people of the host country feel proud and cordial.
This tradition of trilingual proclamation not only adds to the sacredness and solemnity of the ceremony, but also allows the audience to feel the beauty of different languages in just a few minutes. For many, it's not just a sporting event, it's a cultural feast. Through this multilingual announcement, the Olympic Games show the world that they are diverse and inclusive, and send a message of peace and friendship.
So, the next time you see the opening ceremony of the Olympics, you might as well keep an eye out for those familiar opening lines. They are not just part of the ceremony, they are a symbol of the Olympic spirit. In this way, the Olympics remind us that no matter what country we come from or what language we speak, sport can bring us together in a shared vision of excellence, friendship and respect.