FRENCH SOCIOLINGUISTICS

Description

This module builds on knowledge and understanding of how language and society interact, acquired in other language modules, as well as real world knowledge acquired during PTY. It introduces students to sociolinguistic concepts and terminology in French and explores a range of sociolinguistic phenomena in the French-speaking world, including regional and national variation, language contact situations and creoles. Students will develop research and presentation skills and discover the French-speaking world through a sociolinguistic lens. Indicative content includes: historic development of the French language and the other languages of France the other languages of France today regional and national variation language policy and defence of French language in French-speaking countries impact of English, technology and social change on developments in modern French language contact situations arising from French colonial expansion – diglossia and creoles decolonisation and development of la Francophonie The module aims to: develop knowledge and understanding of how the French language and other languages of France have evolved and are currently evolving, in a sociolinguistic perspective develop understanding of sociolinguistic concepts and the ability to use sociolinguistic terminology to describe and analyse a range of phenomena in French Attributes Developed 001 On successful completion of this module, students will: understand how and why French became the language of France, whilst the other languages of France developed differently KC 002 Be able to use sociolinguistic terms in French to describe and analyse the languages of France KC 003 Have increased awareness of how language and culture interact in different social contexts, and with variables such as gender, class and ethnicity KCT 004 Have gained a general understanding of various sociolinguistic phenomena in a variety of specific geographical and cultural contexts KC 005 Be able to undertake independent research into related areas and present their ideas in written form and in an oral presentation, using a range of sources PT