Conference – Canada’s Francophones: expressing their differences?

Annette Boudreau,a sociolinguist, explores in her lecture the linguistic discriminations and their social consequences on individuals whose linguistic practices deviate from an imaginary norm. She highlights exclusion and its harmful effects on identity, while emphasizing the importance of reflexivity and accepting one’s linguistic difference. By taking the Canadian Francophonie as a case study, this presentation aims to shed light on the dynamics of power and identity.

While discourse celebrating linguistic diversity is plentiful, there is a long way from theory to practice, and discriminations related to ways of speaking that do not conform to an imagined norm remain frequent. A monolithic vision of the linguistic practices of a language is at the base of exclusion processes that have significant social consequences for people who do not see themselves as legitimate speakers: withdrawal, shame, and silence.

The use of language is never free of power dynamics. People communicate not only through words but also through their body language, which is shaped by their social environment and unique history. This understanding helps us to appreciate and accept differences, both in ourselves and others. The representations that are created and circulated about a particular language can influence a person’s linguistic identity, either by rejecting or embracing it. I will use the Canadian Francophonie as an example to explore these issues. Reflecting on one’s linguistic journey can provide insight into how language functions.

Annette Boudreau, professor emeritus of the Department of French Studies at the University of Moncton, researches issues related to linguistic insecurity, linguistic ideologies, and the linguistic practices of Francophones in minority settings, particularly in Acadia. Throughout her career, Annette Boudreau has endeavored to fight against misconceptions about stigmatized and denigrated varieties of French to eradicate linguistic discrimination. Recipient of the Acfas Gilles-Paquet Prize in 2023, Annette Boudreau is a prolific author. In addition to numerous scholarly articles, she has several recent books to her credit.