Occitan, also known as the langue d’oc, is a Romance language spoken primarily in the southern regions of France, Monaco, and small pockets in Italy, Spain, and Andorra. It is a member of the Occitano-Romance subgroup within the Romance language family. Occitan encompasses various dialects, each with its own distinctive features, and historically, it played a significant role in mediaeval troubadour poetry.

The Occitan language has faced challenges over the years, particularly with the dominance of French as the official language in France. However, there have been efforts to preserve and revitalise Occitan, with cultural and educational initiatives aiming to promote its use. While the standardisation of Occitan has been a subject of debate due to the diversity of its dialects, it continues to be an important cultural marker in the regions where it is spoken. Occitan is recognised for its literary contributions, including troubadour poetry and modern works, and its cultural significance in the southern regions of France.