French in the French-speaking world

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 global view on the situation of French worldwide and a critical look at issues regarding the limits of French and of the "francophonie".
After an introduction aiming at presenting and questioning the necessary concepts used to describe the multiple realities behind the notion of "French-speaking area", the course proposes to study several types of French-speaking areas, their specificities and the socio-historical conditions which explain them. Through this overview, students will develop a complex view of the "francophonie" as a sociolinguistic reality and will grasp the ideological and political underpinnings of the "Francophonie" as an institution.

Teaching methods

The formal course comprises reading material and lectures.

Evaluation methods

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