S%C3%A9ance_5_-_Les_%C3%A9crivains_francophones_et_la_langue_fran%C3%A7aise
Page 1
Title: Les Écrivains Francophones et la Langue FrançaiseSession: 5
Page 2
Review of Previous Lesson:
Myth of persistence of representations of the Other since the 16th century.
Colonial discourse continues in decolonization narratives; essentialization of races/nations.
Myths influence reality, justifying morally incompatible motives (e.g., exploitation and colonization).
Page 3
Plan for the Session:
Myth of the French Language in History
Francophone Writers' Relationships to French:
Fanon
Gauvin
Djebar
Senghor
Analysis of Poems by Léon-Gontran Damas
Page 4
Objectives:
Study the myth of French language purity and its transformation into an universal language.
Explore various relationships francophone writers have with French: fascination, repulsion, conscious choice.
Page 5
The Myth of the French Language in History
Page 6
Value of French: Associated with civilization, culture, and universality.
Contrast with other languages:
English: economy
Italian: music
German: philosophy
Page 7
16th Century - Institutionalization of the French Language:
Context: Linguistic diversity in France (Latin vs. regional dialects).
French spoken primarily in Paris and among aristocrats.
Page 8
Renaissance and Linguistic Centralism:
Dominance of Latin in religion, transitioning to French for Protestant worship.
Political, military, and social factors promoted the use of French.
1539 decree by François I established French as the legal and administrative language.
Page 9
Development of Printing:
Necessity for standardization of the language led to the creation of dictionaries and grammars.
Robert Estienne presented the first French dictionary in 1539.
Page 10
Defenders of French:
Notable figures like Joachim du Bellay aimed to enhance French literature and language prestige.
Du Bellay's manifesto called for the purification and perfection of the French language.
Page 11
Hierarchization of French vs. Regional Dialects:
Terms like "patois" indicated linguistic inferiority and reflected political interests.
French was seen as refined and elegant, while regional dialects were marginalized.
Page 12
17th Century - Purification of the Language:
Further institutionalization and efforts to canonize French language.
Cardinal Richelieu founded the Académie française for language standardization.
Page 13
Growth of Linguistic Norms:
Claude Favre de Vaugelas emphasized rules for correct usage.
Instructions for common syntax and the natural order of words were promoted.
Page 14
Classicism in French Literature:
Pursuit of beauty, order, and truth defined French classical literature.
Authors like Racine and Corneille contributed to preserving language purity.
Page 15
Language Use and Education in the 17th Century:
French became the official language, prevalent among the elite.
99% of the population remained illiterate concerning standard French.
Page 16
18th Century - Aspirations for Universality:
French became the diplomatic language and the language of reason and sciences.
Paris recognized as a cultural capital fostering ideas and exchanges.
Page 17
Global Influence of French:
Global interest in French culture led to its adoption by foreign elites.
Notable figures across Europe admired the French language.
Page 18
Rivarol's Argument on French Universality:
Discussed French language's supremacy due to its clarity and logical syntax.
Page 19
French Revolution:
Language associated with national unity and identity.
Spoken out against regional languages in favor of disseminating revolutionary ideals.
Page 20
19th Century - French Language Expansion:
Introduction of state primary education ensured spread of the French language.
French was promoted in colonies as a means of cultural superiority.
Page 21
Historical Reflection:
Tensions exist between purity and universal ideals of French language, with an inherent essentialism present.
Page 22
Francophone Writer Relationships with French:
Page 23
Frantz Fanon:
Background in psychology and military service during WWII.
Actively opposed colonialism in his writings.
Explored identity and cultural assimilation in "Peau noire, masques blancs."
Page 24
Language Symbolizing Culture:
The allure of French associated with prestige and power in colonial contexts.
Mastery of the language equates to societal acceptance among the colonizers.
Page 25
Colonized Complexes:
Colonization caused feelings of inferiority among the colonized, impacting their self-identification.
Page 26
Colonizer's Superiority Complex:
Exploration of paternalistic attitudes of colonizers towards the colonized.
Page 27
Possible Futures:
Focus on overcoming complex identities to promote unity between the colonized and colonizers.
Page 28
Montréal Academic Perspective:
The francophone context creates a unique linguistic approach for writers.
Page 29
Contextual Specificity in Francophone Literature:
Examines diglossia, the transition from oral to written language, and dual public engagement.
Page 30
Linguistic Oversensitivity:
Francophone writers constantly evaluate their language choices in the light of identity and cultural impact.
Page 31
Literatures of Unrest:
Creative expressions in francophone literature address cultural complexities through hybrid influences.
Page 32
Text Analysis:
Framework for analyzing francophone works regarding their linguistic choices and themes.
Page 33
Assia Djebar:
Known for contributions in various literary forms and academic positions.
Page 34
Writing in the Language of the Other:
Engages with dual heritage through personal and cultural narratives.
Page 35
The Otherness of Language:
Acknowledges the complexities of history and identity through language representation.
Page 36
Language as Choice:
Emphasizes the deliberate nature of language choice in colonized contexts.
Page 37
Senghor's Perspective on French:
Discusses the historical context that placed French as a universal language.
Page 38
Francophone Figures on Language:
Various writers express the dual nature of French as both a colonizer's tool and a means of empowerment.
Page 39
Key Francophone Voices:
Highlight influential figures advocating against colonial perspectives.
Page 40
Discussion Prompt for Damas:
Identifying language relations in his poem.
Page 41
Analysis of Damas's Poem:
Explore themes of ridicule and cultural displacement.
Page 42
Imagery in Poetry:
Symbols of loss and reclaiming identity through nostalgic references.
Page 43
Conclusion:
Highlights the tension between the myth of French language purity and the rich diversity of francophone expressions, advocating for pluralism in language use.