Plurilingualism with Focus on French

This course introduces the concepts of multilingualism and plurilingualism, defines them and applies them to societies, situations and individuals where French is one of the languages present. Students will learn where and how the French language is represented across the world. They will also gain a better understanding of what it means for an individual to be plurilingual with French as one the languages, how this competence is acquired in child- or adulthood and how it might affect the process of identity formation. The course offers an overview of multilingual states and societies where French coexists under varying forms, conditions and power relations with other languages. Models of language policy are introduced and exemplified across the French-speaking world. The course also offers an introduction to the plurilingual individual and discussions on the factors behind the acquisition of multiple languages across the lifespan and the nature of plurilingual identities where French is one of the languages. The course is both theoretical and practical. The student will carry out an individual project focusing on one of the aspects introduced during the course.