Beyoncé Makes History as First Black Woman in French Dictionary

Beyoncé has achieved another milestone in her illustrious career, becoming the first black woman to have her name included in the prestigious French dictionary Le Petit Larousse Illustré. The 42-year-old American singer is one of 40 individuals to be featured in the 2024 edition of the dictionary, which has been in publication since 1905.

Beyoncé's name is listed as a proper noun under the category of "American singer of R&B and pop" in the Petit Larousse Illustré. Her inclusion is a recognition of her Louisiana Creole heritage and her immense cultural impact on a global scale. "Leave something [for fans] to remember, so they won't forget," Beyoncé once said, referring to her desire to leave a lasting impact.

Other notable individuals featured in the 2024 edition of the dictionary include actor Cate Blanchett, NBA icon LeBron James, and acclaimed director Christopher Nolan. The new entries "reflect concerns, developments or strong movements this year," according to Carine Girac-Marinier, head of dictionaries and encyclopedias at Larousse. The names are selected by a jury, which drafts up a yearly list of 150 words and individuals known amongst French-speaking communities.

2024 has been a remarkable year for Beyoncé, with the release of her eighth studio album, Country Carter, which has topped charts worldwide. The album made her the first black woman to top the country album list. She will also be featured in the animated film, Mufasa: The Lion King, where she will reprise her role as Nala, alongside her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, who makes her debut in the film.

This is not the first time Beyoncé's influence has been recognized in the dictionary world. In 2004, the term "bootylicious" - featured in Destiny's Child's 2001 single of the same name - was added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Beyoncé's inclusion in Le Petit Larousse marks another significant achievement in her trailblazing career, solidifying her status as a cultural icon and ensuring her legacy for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• Beyoncé becomes 1st black woman to have her name included in French dictionary Le Petit Larousse Illustré.
• She's listed as "American singer of R&B and pop" in the 2024 edition, recognizing her cultural impact.
• Beyoncé joins other notable individuals like Cate Blanchett, LeBron James, and Christopher Nolan in the dictionary.
• Her inclusion marks another milestone in her trailblazing career, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.
• This isn't her 1st dictionary recognition; "bootylicious" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2004.