Unit FRENCH I

Course
Languages, comparative literatures and intercultural translation
Study-unit Code
A000144
Curriculum
In all curricula
Teacher
Cécile Fanny Gallienne
Teachers
  • Cécile Fanny Gallienne
Hours
  • 36 ore - Cécile Fanny Gallienne
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2025
Offered
2025/26
Learning activities
Affine/integrativa
Area
Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector
L-LIN/04
Type of study-unit
Opzionale (Optional)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
french
Contents
Module A – Diatopic Variation in France • The five dimensions of linguistic variation: diatopic, diastratic, diaphasic, diachronic, diamesic • Diatopic variation of French in France • Distinctions between dialect and regional language • Concept and manifestations of glottophobia • Language norm and social representations • Linguistic policies in France Module B – Youth Language • Diastratic and diaphasic variation • Lexical and morphosyntactic features across registers • Characteristics and social functions of youth language • Linguistic analysis and classification of youth language through song lyrics
Reference texts
Henriette Walter, Le français dans tous les sens, Paris, Robert Laffont, 1988 Kristina Bedijs, Langue et générations : le langage des jeunes, in Manuel de linguistique française, 2015, pp. 293–313
Educational objectives
The first year of the Master's program aims to deepen linguistic analysis from a sociolinguistic and stylistic perspective. Students will: - Understand and describe the main axes of linguistic variation in French; - Identify sociolinguistic phenomena related to language norm, prestige, and language policies; - Analyze youth language from a diastratic and diaphasic perspective; - Reflect critically on the relationship between language, society, and identity; - Apply analytical tools to authentic materials (e.g., songs, oral discourse, regional varieties).
Prerequisites
Students are expected to have: A solid knowledge of the French language, with good command of both written/oral comprehension and production. Basic knowledge of general linguistics (notions of phonetics, morphology, syntax, lexicon, pragmatics). The ability to read and understand scientific texts and essays in French. Preliminary knowledge of the main concepts of sociolinguistics (linguistic variation, norm, registers). An openness to critical reflection on language, society, and language policies.
Teaching methods
The course combines theoretical lectures and practical activities with the aim of developing advanced skills in linguistic, sociolinguistic, and critical analysis. The activities include: Lectures: introduction and in-depth study of theoretical concepts related to linguistic variation, norm, and language policies. Critical analysis of authentic documents: written texts, multimedia materials, oral transcripts, and songs used as a basis for exercises and discussions. Group work: collaborative activities aimed at collective reflection and comparison of analytical perspectives. Analysis of complex situations: case studies concerning language policies and the relationship between language, society, and identity. Analysis of youth language: observation of lexical and morphosyntactic features through songs and texts, with categorization of the linguistic phenomena identified. Class presentations: oral presentations of analysis results by students, to foster argumentative skills and critical discussion. Individual research activities: preparation of short reports or analytical worksheets on specific aspects of linguistic variation. Use of multimedia resources: audio recordings, videos, and digital materials to observe linguistic variation in real contexts.
Other information
Students are reminded that regular attendance is strongly recommended. In addition, in order to take the exam, it is mandatory to have previously passed the specific test at the CLA. For information on support services for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (DSA), please visit: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa
Learning verification modality
The departmental exam consists of two parts: Written test (2 hours 30 minutes): preparation of a synthèse based on documents related to the topics covered during the course. Oral test (approximately 30 minutes): presentation of a dossier on a topic previously agreed upon with the instructor. The dossier includes: In-depth analysis of diatopic or diaphasic linguistic variation, including presentation of the context and analysis of a scientific article; Presentation of the analysis of linguistic variation in youth language observed in a song; Assessment of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the course. For information on support services for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (DSA), please visit: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa
Extended program
Module A – Diatopic Variation in France • The five dimensions of linguistic variation: diatopic, diastratic, diaphasic, diachronic, diamesic • Diatopic variation of French in France • Distinctions between dialect and regional language • Concept and manifestations of glottophobia • Language norm and social representations • Linguistic policies in France Module B – Youth Language • Diastratic and diaphasic variation • Lexical and morphosyntactic features across registers • Characteristics and social functions of youth language • Linguistic analysis and classification of youth language through song lyrics
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