Research Mentor(s)
Christina Keppie
Description
This study aims at shedding light on the language attitudes and language use of Joual, a French variety spoken in Québec. The term Joual is used pejoratively and criticized by many throughout the province and the global francophone community as an incorrect or inferior form of French. However, the language remains resilient in that it continues to adapt to contemporary life and seeks to stop restrictions from the elite social class. Therefore, it argues that this linguistic variety emerged due to social factors and is a social phenomenon. The research conducted will first seek to define the origin of Joual and the definitions it has encountered. The objective is threefold: a) to examine the socio-historical context of linguistic struggles amongst francophones in Québec, b) the language attitudes that account for the reason behind the use of Joual, and c) to analyze the linguistic similarities and differences between Joual and “Standard” French. Joual is nevertheless a fundamental element of Québec identity, which deserves to be rid of its pejorative connotation and acknowledged as a language.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2022
End Date
May 2022
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
UIP - Canadian-American Studies
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Language Attitudes & Language Use: The Case of Joual in Quebec
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
This study aims at shedding light on the language attitudes and language use of Joual, a French variety spoken in Québec. The term Joual is used pejoratively and criticized by many throughout the province and the global francophone community as an incorrect or inferior form of French. However, the language remains resilient in that it continues to adapt to contemporary life and seeks to stop restrictions from the elite social class. Therefore, it argues that this linguistic variety emerged due to social factors and is a social phenomenon. The research conducted will first seek to define the origin of Joual and the definitions it has encountered. The objective is threefold: a) to examine the socio-historical context of linguistic struggles amongst francophones in Québec, b) the language attitudes that account for the reason behind the use of Joual, and c) to analyze the linguistic similarities and differences between Joual and “Standard” French. Joual is nevertheless a fundamental element of Québec identity, which deserves to be rid of its pejorative connotation and acknowledged as a language.