Description
Book SynopsisWhy do the French defend their language so passionately? Can a world language like French really be in crisis? By tracing the long history of language defence in France and by examining the multiplicity of official and non-official defensive activities and attitudes, the book aims to answer these and other related questions. It looks at changing government policy, particularly the recent paradoxical shift from monolingualism to plurilingualism, and at what has motivated it. It analyses the work of the powerful government agencies and of the small but very vocal private defensive groups. The importance of the Internet is highlighted both by its extensive use in the research for the book and by an examination of its use by the language defenders. A European context is provided by comparisons with Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Finally, a look at various contemporary problems leads to a thought-provoking prognosis for this most strongly-defended of European languages.
Trade Review"This book is a unique and fascinating contribution to the field of French language studies and French language policy in particular. In a compelling and eminently readable style, it unravels the complexities of the interplay between politics, power, language and identity played out in the name of the defence of French. It is a richly textured, probing and wide-ranging investigation into the state of French, its past, present and possible future." Linda M. Hartley, University of Dundee, UK"
Table of ContentsList of Tables
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Defending French: A Story of Love and Power
Chapter 2: The Dynamics of Defence: Some Contemporary Themes and Trends
Chapter 3: Official Agencies: The Language of Power
Chapter 4: Language and Politics: Inseparable Partners
Chapter 5: Languages in Europe: How does France Compare?
Chapter 6: Problems and Paradoxes; Interference and Interaction
Conclusion
Endnotes
References
