The French-Speaking World. A Practical Introduction To Sociolinguistic Issues

This accessible textbook offers students the opportunity to explore for themselves a wide range of sociolinguistic issues relating to the French language and its rote in societies around the world. It is written for undergraduate students who have a sound practical knowledge of French but who have little or no knowledge of linguistics or sociolinguistics. It combines text with practical exercises and discussion questions to stimulate readers to think for themselves and to tackle specific problems. In Part one Rodney Ball looks at the diversity of the French-speaking world and the function of French in particular countries and regions, including Belgium, Canada and Switzerland. He explores its status in relation to other languages and its rote in intercommunity relations. In Part two the focus shifts to individual language features, and among topics explored are regional speech forms, the differences between written and spoken French, the 'social meaning' of different styles and levels of language, and the use of French by immigrants. Part three looks at recent developments and controversies affecting the French language, particularly in France itself. Key features of this book : • Informative and comprehensive : covers a wide range of current issues • Practical : contains a variety of graded exercises and tasks plus an index of terms • Topical and contemporary : deals with current situations and provides up-to-date illustrative material • Thought-provoking : encourages students to reflect and research for themselves