The International Olympic Committee (IOC) designates specific languages for use during the Olympic Games. These languages facilitate communication between athletes, officials, volunteers, media, and spectators from diverse nations. Historically, French and English have served as the primary mediums for all official communications, ceremonies, signage, and documentation. For instance, announcements at venues are typically delivered in these two languages before any others.
The utilization of designated languages ensures efficient coordination and prevents potential misunderstandings across the complex organizational structure of the Games. This linguistic framework enables the dissemination of critical information regarding schedules, rules, safety protocols, and cultural events. The long-standing tradition of using particular languages reflects the historical influence and global reach of the Olympic movement, and contributes to a standardized operational environment for all participants. Moreover, the inclusion of the host nation’s language provides cultural representation and facilitates engagement with the local population.
