Geolinguistic varieties of French

Teacher(s)

Hambye Philippe;

Language

French

Prerequisites

An introductory course in general linguistics is required, which gives the main tools for describing phonetic, phonological and lexical phenomena.

Main themes

1. Identifying the main typical illustrations of the spreading of French : - traditional areas (France regions, oïl domain, Wallonia, French-speaking Switzerland) - areas where French has been imported (Quebec, Acadia, Louisiana, Indian Ocean, etc.) - areas where French has been implemented by administrative pressure or by force (Sub-Saharan Africa, Maghreb, etc.) - areas where French spreading is link to France's cultural influence (Romania, Near East, etc.).
2. Describing, from a differential point of view, the linguistic variation in those areas, while focussing on phonetic, phonological and lexical aspects.
3. Linking up the linguistic characteristics of a given area to its historical, cultural and social context.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	This course aims 1. to make masters degree students more familiar with the variation of French in Francophonia, more precisely from a geographical point of view (variation from place to place), by describing and analyzing - linguistic practices - linguistic attitudes and representations (i.e. internal approach) 2. to link up the study of the geographical varieties of French to the sociocultural and political context of the linguistic communities. (i.e. external approach) 3. to give thought to the future of the French language and the institutional Francophonia.

Content

This course offers a reflective exploration of French and its variations, principally from a diatopic perspective. This theoretical reflection will be developed along two lines. On the one hand, the examination of varieties of French in different Francophone areas, in connection with different historical, cultural and social contexts; on the other hand, the descriptive approach of this variation of French (mainly at the phonological and lexical level).
The course curriculum will enable students to tackle political and didactic questions, e.g.: What is French? Why and / or how should we promote it? Which variety should be taught? Etc.

Teaching methods

The formal course (22.5 hours) comprises reading material (available to students on iCampus), lectures (which are included in the course timetable) and small group work, which will lead to a written piece. The course can be followed remotely with a greater level of individual work involved.

Evaluation methods

Students must take part in a group activity in order to sit the exam. The assessment will be a written exam in the Januray examination session, with multiple choices questions and composition questions. In the September session, unless the number of students justifies a written exam, assessment will be based on an oral exam (30 min for preparing the answers + 30 min for the presentation of the answers).

Bibliography

Voir site du cours sur Moodle.

Faculty or entity

ELAL