Linguistic Policies and the Survival of Regional Languages in France and Britain

Alsatian, Basque, Catalan, Corsican, Western Flemish, Occitan, and various languages such as Picard: what have they got in common, if anything, with Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, and Cornish? Does Cornish even exist anymore? And is Scots a language? And why is Ulster Scots so important today? These are the kind of questions answered in this book, which examines, first of all, how they were partly or totally destroyed by the emergence of French and English. Each language is examined in the context of the overall policies of France and Britain, reference being made in each case to their historical development and the efforts made today to reinstate them. A comparative approach helps to throw light on unexpected similarities in both countries, and offers therefore much food for thought for those involved in their rehabilitation or working in contexts in which the regional languages play a role (education, administration, tourism, policy making). An understanding of the problems involved is essential for any understanding of the contemporary issues affecting both France and Britain today, particularly in terms of devolution, or, in the case of France, decentralization. A valuable resource and enjoyable reading for both students and researchers.

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Reviews:

'...it will certainly appear on reading lists for my final-year students.' - Robert Blackwood, University of Liverpool, writing in Language Policy 'The story is well told, interesting to read and up-to-date. This is a good straightforward account of the situation for each country and RL and to be recommended.' - Dennis Ager, French Studies

Acknowledgements Series Editor's Preface Introduction PART 1: THE RISE OF FRENCH AND ENGLISH AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE REGIONAL LANGUAGES The Rise of French as an Official National Language The Rise of English as an Official Language PART 2: THE REGIONAL LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN METROPOLITAN FRANCE: GENERAL PRESENTATION Regional Languages Official Elsewhere: Basque, Catalan, Flemish and Alsatian Regional Languages Not Official Elsewhere: Breton, Corsican, Franco-Provençal, Occitan and the Langues d'oIl Revitalising the Regional Languages of France PART 3: THE REGIONAL LANGUAGES OF BRITAIN: GENERAL PRESENTATION The Regional Languages of England and Wales: Welsh and Cornish The Regional Languages of Scotland: Scottish Gaelic and Scots The Regional Languages of Northern Ireland: Irish and Ulster Scots Conclusion Bibliography Index index