Introduction to Francophonie

Module code: FR1027

French is a world language spoken and represented in many countries across the globe. This module provides transnational perspectives on language, culture and identity in the Francophone world. It considers key historical developments that have marked the evolution of the French language as well as cultural and socio-political debates on the role of language and Francophonie in the French-speaking world today. Several case studies from the Francophone world are examined. A selection of texts are studied to explore some of the tensions that inform the relationship between language and identity in different parts of the Francophone world.

Topics covered

Historical overview
Francophonie and the French language in the contemporary period
Language, identity and the nation: the case of Belgium
Language use and language planning in Quebec
Language and conflict in Algeria
Identity, nationhood and language in Senegal
Narrating the colonial experience in Cameroon through text
Literary representations of postcoloniality and agency in Algeria