La Bretagne Linguistique (Sep 2022)
Étude exploratoire d’expériences de glottophobie en Bretagne réalisée auprès d’étudiantes et d’étudiants de l’université Rennes 2
Abstract
The objective of this study is to explore the sociolinguistic paths of students dealing with the issue of discrimination on linguistic pretexts (or glottophobia) in Brittany, a region where the question of linguistic minority has been visibly raised for a long time. Just over 100 participants enrolled at Rennes 2 University participated in a semi-directive online quantitative survey. The responses reveal a significant linguistic plurality, especially of family origin and to which respondents say they are attached. In particular, there is a significant place held by a regional language, Breton, alongside languages from elsewhere (about half of the witnesses grew up with several languages and say they practice several of them today). The normative norm of French (perceived as above all academic, Parisian, socially marked) occupies an important place both as a reference and as a declared practice. A stigmatization of their forms of French is reported by nearly 50% of respondents, which creates a certain linguistic insecurity. The notion of glottophobic discrimination appears to be very well identified. In the last three years, more than 50% have witnessed it and about 10% have been victims (the use of « immigration » languages being the main pretext mentioned). About 20% spoke to relatives and none to a mediation or appeal body. Implementing a glottopolitical intervention requires establishing a diagnosis of a sociolinguistic situation at a time T by including the glottopolitical orientations of social actors (the « agents », in the Guespin-Marcellesi terminology). This study confirms that an information and vigilance system is necessary to ensure respect for fundamental language rights and fair treatment of people regardless of the language(s) and variety of French used.
Keywords
