Abstract
France is often considered as a culturally homogeneous state-nation. However, although French remains the main used language, several minority languages are still spoken within the state borders. This paper focuses on political claims for regional languages since World War II. Firstly, it presents an analytical model in terms of linguistic market. Secondly, through the cases of Corsican, Breton and Oïl languages, it aims to demonstrate that ethnolinguistic mobilisations go through three different political paths : the first one consists in putting into practice ethnolinguistic claims through the republican institutions; the second one favours
the use of regional languages apart from the state institutions; the third one encompasses the case studies of no-mobilisation. It is argued that such differences are due to the variation of political opportunity structure according to the regions, and to the capability of ethnolinguistic entrepreneurs for establishing territorial networks with the main regional political actors.
the use of regional languages apart from the state institutions; the third one encompasses the case studies of no-mobilisation. It is argued that such differences are due to the variation of political opportunity structure according to the regions, and to the capability of ethnolinguistic entrepreneurs for establishing territorial networks with the main regional political actors.
Translated title of the contribution | Multiculturalism and linguistic policy. The republic against regional languages? |
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Original language | French |
Pages (from-to) | 939-966 |
Number of pages | 28 |
Journal | Revue Francaise de Science Politique |
Volume | 59 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |