Monégasque is the variety of Ligurian spoken in Monaco. It was a common language in the Principality until about 1911 when French became the sole language of instruction in public education. Even in religious schools it was greatly discouraged and demoted to a "patois" in public life. By the 1920s the language was close to extinction. Today, French is still the sole official language of Monaco, but Monégasque is considered an element of Monaco's cultural identity with extensive efforts to maintain and revitalize the language. Monégasque has a regulating body and standard that is separate from Ligurian. It is a compulsory subject in primary and secondary school with an annual language competition for schoolchildren over which the Prince presides. There are also free classes offered to adult learners through the National Committee for Monegasque Traditions.