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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: FRE3017 Module Title: FRENCH AND THE OTHER LANGUAGES OF FRANCE:A SOCIOLINGUISTIC PERSPECTIVE
Module Provider: Language & Translation Studies Short Name: FRE3017
Level: HE3 Module Co-ordinator: MARLEY D Dr (Lang & Trans)
Number of credits: 10 Number of ECTS credits: 5
 
Module Availability
Semester 1
Assessment Pattern
Unit(s) of Assessment
Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
Class presentation
40%
Extended essay
60%

Qualifying Condition(s)
A weighted aggregate of 40% is required to pass the module
Module Overview
In this module the French language and other languages of France are examined in a sociolinguistic perspective, following their historical development and considering how they interact in contemporary French society.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Successful completion of Level 2 French modules or equivalent
Module Aims
To develop students’ understanding of how the French language and other languages of France have evolved and are currently evolving. It also aims to use the languages of France to demonstrate a wide range of sociolinguistic phenomena studied in Level 2.
Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will:

  • Understand how and why French became the language of France.
  • Know how and why the other languages of France have developed differently.
  • Be able to use sociolinguistic terms to describe and discuss the languages of France.
  • Be able to undertake independent research into related areas and present their ideas in written form, using a range of sources.
  • Be able to undertake independent research and present their ideas in an oral presentation.
Module Content

Introduction:

  • Overview of languages concerned;
  • Overview of sociolinguistic terms involved.

History of the French language:

  • Gaulish and Roman: language contact, diglossia.
  • Middle Ages: dialect continuum, diglossia, standardisation.
  • Rise of standard French: Académie Française and bon usage.
  • Spread of French: modernisation and education.

History of other languages of France: 

  •  Middle Ages: development of different languages. 
  • 17th – 19th centuries: slow process of language shift. 
  •  Late 19th century: language obsolescence.

Language developments today: 

  • Democratisation of language.
  • Revival of regional languages.
  • Impact of foreign languages on French: English and Arabic.
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Two contact hours per teaching week in semester 1. The module is taught entirely in the target language, and student participation will be essential. Learning will occur through note-taking in lectures, background reading and preparation of and participation in class discussions.
Selected Texts/Journals
Michaël Abecassis, Laure Ayosso, Elodie Vialleton (2008), Le français parlé au XXIeme siècle – volume and, volume2..
Bonnemason, J. (1993). Les langues de France
Pascale Certa (2001), Le Français d'aujourd'hui : Une langue qui bouge.
Gordon, D The French language and national identity
Hagège, Claude (1998), Le français, histoire d'un combat
Hagège, Claude (2006), Combat pour le français : Au nom de la diversité des langues et des cultures.
Huchon, Mireille (2002), Histoire de la langue française
Jones, M. and Bennett, W. (2007), The French Language and Questions of Identity
Judge, Anne (2007), Linguistic Policies and the Survival of Regional Languages in France and Britain
Lodge, Anthony (1999). Exploring the French Language
Marley, D., Hintze, M.-A., Parker, G. (eds.) (1998). Linguistic Identities and Policies in France and the French-speaking World
 
Sanders, Carol (ed.) (1993). French Today 440 SAN
 

Walter, Henriette (1999). Le français d’ici, de là, de là-bas
Last Updated
JULY 2009