Module Identifier FR10810  
Module Title DYNAMIQUE DU FRANCAIS PARLE ET ECRIT  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Professor David A Trotter  
Semester Semester 2  
Assessment Semester Assessment   Continuous Assessment: 30% oral presentation; 70% written commentaries: (a) document sonore 30%; (b) document ecrit 40%   100%  

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be aware of differences in register between spoken and written French. They will be able to distinguish basic differences between standard written/spoken language and non-standard language. They will have gained an insight into the broad differences between accents in French, with particular reference to the North/South divide. They will be capable of elementary phonemic transcription of French, recognising the IPA symbols, and applying that knowledge in a critical and considered fashion. They will be able to identify certain lexical regionalisms in the written and spoken register. They should be able to develop their critical powers in French language study and in linguistic analysis and should have the requisite tools to appreciate critically aspects of spoken and written French. The means of assessment will have allowed them to demonstrate their research and teamwork skills, and they will be able to carry out a small research project as part of a group.
They should also have developed their presentation skills in English or in French.

Brief description

This module will introduce you to the analysis of both spoken and written French, and offer a methodology for this analysis; and raise your awareness of some of the issues which French language study entails, by giving you a basis for appreciation of three domains:

Whilst the module will not set out to teach the French language itself, it will provide you with the requisite tools to appreciate critically aspects of spoken and written French.

Topics covered: Introduction to language (week 1); the sounds of French, regional variations and spoken French register (weeks 2-5); French structures, register and lexis (weeks 6-10).

Some classes will be held in the language laboratories. Lectures, where possible, will be given in French; seminars will be held in French or in English, as appropriate.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Background
Tranel, B. (1987) The Sounds of French. Cambridge
Ayres-Bennett, W A. (1995) History of the French Language through Texts. London
Batchelor, R & Offord, M. (1993) Using French: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge
Battye, A & Hintze, M A. (1992) The French Language Today. London
Hartley, D. (1987) Travaux pratiques. London
Lodge R A, Armstrong N, Ellis Y, & Shelton J.. (1997) Exploring the French Language. London
Popin J. (1993) Precis de grammaire fonctionnelle du francais. vol. 2. Paris
Tamine J. (1988) La grammaire. Paris