In this course, we will learn the basics of linguistic analysis in order to further our understanding of and to be able to analyze the French language. While contemporary (standard) French will serve as a basis for comparison, special attention will be given to regional varieties spoken across the francophone world.
After establishing a basic understanding of how contemporary (spoken) French compares to what we have learned in the traditional classroom through readings, exercises, and discussions comparing the variation, we will explore issues concerning the language today. Many of these issues will allow students to revisit the cultural topics discussed in other French courses, connect them with the language, and, discover the diversity and variation found in the francophone world.