Variation in contemporary French

Teacher(s)

Simon Anne-Catherine;

Language

French

Prerequisites

LFIAL1131 Understanding Language: An Introduction to Linguistics
Level C1-C2 in French. 

Main themes

Examination of the usage (spoken and written) of present-day French reveals that the language is subject to significant variations that affect, among others, pronunciation, vocabulary and syntax. This course offers a series of theoretical and methodological tools for the identification, description and analysis of linguistic variants, and attempts to explain the causes of this variation. The approach is both disciplinary (phonology, lexicology, syntax) and sociolinguistic. The course aims to develop reflection about the idea of reference Frenchand about the characteristics of the different varieties of French, whether regional, social or stylistic

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Identify linguistic variation (variables and variants) in spoken and written French usage, at the phonetic-phonological, written, morphological, lexical and syntactical levels; Describe variants in a qualitative manner, in relation to reference French; Interpret the social value of a variant by relating it to one or more dimensions of variation (social, geographical, stylistic, etc.); Distinguish between the normative and scientific viewpoints on language, and take a critical perspective on value judgements relative to usage of French.

Content

The following topics will be covered:

• Basic concepts for understanding variation (standard French, variants, variables, axes of variation, etc.)
• Pronunciation in different regions of the French-speaking world (vowels, consonants, schwa)
• Similarities and differences between the phonological systems of different varieties of French
• The functioning, evolution and variation in French spelling and the reforms it may undergo
• Word formation in French, particularly the formation of feminine nouns for titles, ranks and functions
• Inclusive writing
• Variation in French syntax depending on the situation (formal style, informal style), particularly sentence forms

Teaching methods

• Lectures
  
• Practical group work sessions ("travaux pratiques")
  
• Tools for interaction with large groups (Padlet, Wooclap).
  

Evaluation methods

In the January session, the final grade is based on a written exam. In the August session, the evaluation may take the form of an oral or written exam depending on the number of students enrolled.

Online resources

Moodle Platform: https://moodle.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=2675

•  register for a group of Practical Work (TP, travaux pratiques) at the beginning of the year
•  use resources (scientific articles, texts from official language policy bodies, etc.)
•  Obtain the answers to the TP exercises after each session.

Teaching materials

• Simon, A.C. 2025. La variation en français contemporain. Syllabus du cours. Louvain-la-Neuve: DUC
• Simon, A.C. (resp.) 2025. LFRA1221 Syllabus des Travaux Pratiques. (Téléchargeable sur Moodle)

Faculty or entity

> ELAL