FRN2300

French language variation

J Burston

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives The purpose of this subject is to provide an introduction to the study of variation in French, as viewed from the following perspectives: (i) regional varieties within France; (ii) French outside France; (iii) sociolinguistic differences.

Synopsis Despite its unavoidability in the context of foreign language instruction, the presumption of linguistic uniformity in French is in fact no more than a heuristic operating principle. As in any language, the lack of homogeneity in French is the result of several factors: historical evolution, geographical location, socioeconomic status and, at the individual level, the particular circumstances and subject matter of discourse. Throughout the subject, linguistic analysis is complemented by an account of the historical, social, and economic factors associated with language usage.

Assessment Mid-term test (2 hrs): 30%
* 1200-word essay in French: 30%
* Final exam (2 hours): 40%

Prescribed texts

Walter H French inside out Routledge