The aim of the project is to examine “French in contact” across multiple locations and its implications for cultural productions. The study will focus on linguistic practices and dynamics as well as investigate the changes and innovations in literature, cinema and urban music. The proposed sites are Paris, Francophone cities such as Dakar, Bamako, Montréal and Port au Prince, as well as North American metropolis like New Orleans and Miami.
The project is interdisciplinary and involves several departments and centers from the University of Florida (Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Department of Linguistics, Department of Anthropology, the Center for African Studies, the Center for Latin American Studies). In addition, it strongly relies on collaborative research between the University of Florida and institutions in France (Université Paris X, Université Paris-Descartes, CEPED, Rennes 2) and in Canada (University of Ottawa). These cross institutional collaborations lead to the development of new research questions and methodologies as well as to additional opportunities for graduate students.
Background and General Objectives
This project builds on several existing collaborations and ongoing projects in which the principal investigators are involved. These include a collaboration with Professor Francoise Gadet (Paris X), Director of the project Multicultural London English / Multicultural Paris French; with Professor France Martineau (Ottawa) Director of the project “Le français à la mesure d’un continent”; and with Professor Cécile Canut (Paris Descartes), Director of the ANR “Miprimo”, which examines discourses and linguistic and cultural practices related to migratory habits in West Africa and France.
Leaders of the Project
Alioune Sow, Associate Professor of French and African Studies
Hélène Blondeau, Director of the FFRI, Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies and Linguistics