The utility of the second language French children choose to learn is questioned. Some language teaching approaches are reviewed, and it is shown that a mere learning of rules is not sufficient but that sociological and psychological factors contribute to the comprehension and structure of sentences. (Text is in French.) (TL)

Describes a study concerned with distinguishing certain phonological and morphological features of the three dialects of Occitan, a language spoken in the south of France. Results indicate that variations in pronunciation seem to depend on sociolinguistic, as well as geographical factors, and in fact, related dialects and language cannot be…

This report is the outcome of an attempt to relate what may be called the "Le Pagean view of competence" to a linguistic community very different from that which gave rise to the concept. While upholding the general principles, the paper contends that the methodology elaborated for work in fluid creole communities may not be universally…

In the context of reflections on sociolinguistic research in Alsace, results are discussed of current studies which indicate the importance of the city/rural area distinction in use of French and Alsatian. The complexity of the actual linguistic situation in Alsace is described. (AMH)

In the framework of a study of nonverbal communication, the various meanings attached to the pointed index finger are analyzed. The question is raised as to what extent the findings hold for cultures other than French. (AMH)

Focuses on variable /l/-deletion in the French definite articles, subject clitic pronouns, and in one frequent phono-lexical context. Considers whether the sociolinguistic patterns reported indicate ongoing linguistic change or whether the effects observed reveal attitudes to non-standard linguistic forms inculcated in speakers by normative French…

The paper presents the language policies being implemented in French primary schools under the present educational reform and considers how they tackle the question of sociocultural and linguistic pluralism. It questions the choice of teaching one foreign language from a very early age at kindergarten rather than opting for a model of language…

Describes the present state of the Basque language within the educational field in Spain and France. The article also discusses legislative issues, the number and geographical distribution of speakers of the language, the population's linguistic attitudes, and the different models of bilingual education and its results. (Author/SED)

This bilingual book considers recent developments in French attitudes towards language purism, borrowing, and the incursion of English. The book begins with an essay by French sociolinguist Henriette Walter, and most of the following essays are direct responses to her ideas. All chapters are provided in French and English. Chapter titles include…

Illustrates variation affecting the position of pronouns in complex verb phrases among native French speakers. Describes the methods used to verify the hypothesis that there exists a correlation between individual hesitation and lack of consensus in the community. Analyzes data from questionnaires administered to 551 persons in Switzerland and…

Proposes a general framework of interpretation for addressing second/foreign language didactics. Argues that Francophonie (the French-speaking countries and communities of the world collectively) constitutes geopolitical spaces sharing linguistic, cultural, economic, and institutional constructions, but that it is culturally and linguistically…

This series of discussions is based on an experiment, created by a multidisciplinary French Civilization Group in Seattle, the purpose of which was to compare the ways in which different cultures deal with certain civic issues. Four discussions were held over a period of two months. Two were concerned with day care education, one with…

This is a research report on the acquisition and development of language in children from 4 to 6 years as observed in the pre-elementary grades. The research was done by a number of teams scattered throughout France, and this book is a collection of the papers prepared as a result of their research. The report is divided into five sections. The…

Native French speakers (N=56) were critical of French slang expressions spoken by French youths. A previous study found that the native speakers considered Americans' use of the same slang even less acceptable, suggesting the need for careful consideration of teaching such terms in French-language classrooms. (Author/CB)

A study examined the relationship of young Alsatians' language attitudes to both their language behavior at school and their linguistic norm and attitudes toward maintenance of their dialect. Results suggest that maintenance of minority languages can be helped by teaching linguistic minority youth to value their language and combat stereotypes.…