116-021 Language and Society in Europe

116-133 French I: Language B

This subject is an introduction to the study of language variation in France and Francophone countries. Different factors of variation are considered including geographical location, social class, occupation, age, sex, register and genre. Regional features of pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary are examined and compared to those of standard language. Within France, focus is placed on Meridional French. Outside France, special attention is given to Quebec French. French-based creoles are also considered, in particular Indian Ocean creoles and the multilingualism of Mauritius. Through French language variation students are introduced to questions of dialectology, the basics of modern sociolinguistic theory and methodology, language planning issues. The teaching of this subject makes extensive use of multimedia resources. The subject will be taught in French.

• have grasped the use of multimedia resources;

• have a solid introduction to the study of language variation in France and Francophone countries.

Two 60-minute written tests (one mid semester and one in exam period) 60, an essay of 1500 words in French 40 (due at the end of semester).

• H Walter, Le Français dans tous les sens. R Laffont 1988.