Conference explores regional languages of France
An upcoming conference at the University of Leicester will gather experts in the field of French language policies and planning with a particular focus on regional languages.
'The Regional Languages of France: Challenges and Opportunities in the Twenty-First Century' will take place at Stamford Court in Oadby on 25 September, organised by Dr Aurélie Joubert and Dr Michelle Harrison of our School of Modern Languages.
The continuing discussions about France’s potential ratification of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages combined with recent developments about national territorial reforms make this a particularly pertinent time to discuss the contemporary position of the French regional languages. An examination of the place and role of regional languages from a political, cultural, sociological and sociolinguistic perspective adds new insight to the public debate.
The conference aims to investigate the challenges and opportunities which the different regional languages in France are facing. It will ask how the position of the regional languages has changed since the turn of the twentieth century and consider how this might develop in future decades.
The conference includes a keynote from Dr Leigh Oakes, from Queen Mary University of London who will speak on 'Rethinking language rights in France: a normative language policy approach'.
If you are interested in attending the conference, please contact FrenchRLsconf@leicester.ac.uk