Despite the prevalence of the French language in France, some regions have managed to preserve their local languages through continued usage and institutional support. The adoption of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages by the regions of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin in 2015, for instance, was a step towards preserving the Alemannic and Franconian dialects of Alsace. In the Basque Country and Corsica, certain municipal councils have started practicing both the local language and French in an effort to ensure intergenerational continuity.
In Brittany, Diwan schools, founded by associations in 1977, have been integrated into the French education system, and teaching certifications for Breton, Catalan, Occitan, Basque, Creole, and Tahitian have been established by the Ministry of Education. Breton can also be found in a variety of regional periodicals. The rise of cultural events such as fest-noz, Occitan festivals, and Corsican polyphonies has also drawn in younger generations to the practice of regional languages.
In 2022, over 121,000 students chose to learn a regional language in school, and over 14,000 were enrolled in bilingual immersion programs. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of linguistic diversity and the cultural heritage it represents. Despite the challenges faced by these linguistic islands, their resilience and continued efforts towards preservation offer hope for their survival.