Identity, insecurity and image : France and language / Dennis Ager.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ager, D. E.

Series:

Multilingual matters (Series) ; 112.

Multilingual matters ; 112

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Language policy--France.

Language policy.

Language and culture--France.

Language and culture.

Civilization, Modern--French influences.

Civilization, Modern.

French language--Political aspects--Foreign countries.

French language.

Symbolism.

Language policy--French influences--France.

Language and culture--Political aspects--France.

Civilization, Modern--Foreign countries.

France--Civilization--20th century.

France.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (x, 253 p. ) ill., maps ;

Place of Publication:

Clevedon, England ; Philadelphia : Multilingual Matters, c1999.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This book is about the relationship between language and the society that uses it. It specifically aims to discover what drives the French to concentrate so much on language, on what characterises their approach, and on the explanations for the policies governments pursue.

Contents:

Insecurity

Territorial insecurity: fear of the regional languages

Fear mixed with pride: the myth of the hexagon

Social insecurity: fear of the social outsider

Fear mixed with guilt: the myth of inclusion

Americanophobia: fear of Franglais

Identity

Identity and the status of French: the language of the Republic

Managing French to serve the state: stability, elasticity and polyvalency

Image

Gaining influence and prestige: Francophonie, cultural relations and French abroad

Multilingualism: a policy for openness and diversity?

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0-585-15610-7