Ateneo - UPO

Diatopic variation in contemporary metropolitan French: from the myth of uniqueness to the reality of plurality

- Isabelle Schaffner, Olivier Bertrand, "Variétés, Variations & Formes du français", Ecole Polytechnique (éditions), 2011, ISBN 978-2-7302-1586-2

- Mathieu Avanzi, « Atlas du français de nos régions », 2017, ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 2200620101

- Alain Rey, Mathieu Avanzi, Aurore Vincenti, « Comme on dit chez nous - Le grand livre du français de nos régions », Le Robert (15 octobre 2020), ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 2321014776

- Maria Candea, Laélia Véron, "Le français est à nous !", Paris, Livre de Poche, 2021, ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 2348069903

Objectives
- Knowledge and understanding : To know the map of French dialects in metropolitan France as well as the linguistic policies that have involved dialects in a diachronic perspective. To reflect on the concept of diatopic variation and the sociolinguistic phenomena linked to it in contemporary French. Reflect on the concept of cultural and linguistic stereotyping and its manifestations.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Identify and place the analysed linguistic phenomena in the correct descriptive typology, at phonological, morphosyntactic and lexical level. Define the linguistic phenomena presented and propose relevant examples. Analysing a corpus (oral or written) with the help of the analytical tools acquired during the course.
- expression of judgements: Expressing judgements and drawing personal conclusions on diatopic variation and cultural and linguistic stereotypes, also in a contrastive perspective with respect to the Italian language.
- communication skills: Use the French language fluently as well as the appropriate terminology to discuss, in the written test as in the oral test, issues related to the topics covered in the course. Use the appropriate terminology to analyze a corpus subject to a perusal.
objectives - study skills: Read with profit and a critical sense the theoretical texts assigned and the documents provided. Use DIR independently and consistently. Carry out the application exercises assigned during the course, prepare independently the individual compulsory research for the oral test.

B2-C1 level from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Seminars with audio-visual aids. Correction of assigned exercises. Monitoring of individual research.

The DIR service will provide a detailed syllabus, arrangements for the written and oral examinations, instructions for compulsory research, sample examinations, teaching materials, lecture register.

The written test and the oral test, which are independent, are conducted on different days.
Structure of the written test
The written test consists of three parts: a first part covers notions addressed during the course (10 open-ended questions assessed out of 10 marks); a second part consists of the analysis of a passage from a critical text (assessed out of 10 marks); a third part consists of an argumentation question in the form of an essay (two tracks of your choice) on topics relevant to the programme, (assessed out of 10 marks).
The minimum mark obtained in the written test for admission to the oral test is 18/30 (mark expressed in thirtieths).
Mode of the oral test: discussion of the paper and presentation of individual research (approx. 10 pages, Word or PowerPoint format), handed in to the lecturer one week before the oral test. The research concerns a diatopic variation (of your choice) in metropolitan France). The final grade consists of the average of the grade in the written test and the grade in the oral test.

After an introduction on the evolution of the French language from Ordonance the Villers-Cotteret (1539) to the 20th century, the course will address the concept of language identity, investigating how it is at odd with the ideal view of a single and homogeneous language that is fostered by school education.
In this perspective, after investigating the fate of dialects on French territory, we will examine diatopic variation both at a phonological and morphosyntactic level, as well as at a lexical level, in metropolitan France (zone d'Oïl and zone d'Oc, francoprovençal zone).
In addition to various corpora (song texts, excerpts from novels, interviews), the script of the film "Bienvenue chez les ch'tis" by Dany Boon, as well as excerpts from the film "Le château de ma mère" by director Yves Robert, based on the novel of the same name by Marcel Pagnol, will illustrate the regional varieties of French and analyse the linguistic and cultural stereotypes associated with them.
Bachelor 49 students will be given tools to integrate the issue of diatopic variation into the design of a tourist route in metropolitan France.

Deepening of language competence (CEFR level C1) with a focus on listening comprehension in a context of diatopic variation (audiovisual corpora).
Increased awareness of linguistic variation as well as its socio-cultural implications.
Good critical ability in dealing with the diversity and heterogeneity of the French language as well as cultural stereotypes.
Ability to apply acquired knowledge in the development of a task carried out individually 1. The in-depth study of a diatopic variation through the perusal of a corpus, with the help of appropriate generic and specialised dictionaries (ATILF, databases on the Lexilogos site) 2. The design of a tourist itinerary that has diatopic variation as its leitmotif (LM49).