S’approprier le français: pour une langue conviviale—actes du colloque de Bruxelles (2013) éd. par Françoise Hekkers, et al

Abstract

flow of the story with its circular eddies oft reflects metaphorically and stylistically Duras’s writings. Those less familiar with the riveting story of her love relationships (and those of her lovers) will enjoy learning unknown details about various lovers, her stillborn child, the Fernandez family, the Delvals, and different ways the war plays out in her life and thus her œuvre. Vircondelet captures how the war burns into her soul and gushes out of her pen, as she processes so many losses, fears, and the indelibly painful memories caused by her original family. “Écrire, le seul moyen pour élucider la nuit”(205) utters the protagonist, who writes mostly at night.While this novel may not succeed brilliantly as a novel, Duras scholars will justifiably appreciate it. Augusta University and University of Wisconsin, Madison E. Nicole Meyer Linguistics edited by Bryan Donaldson Hekkers, Françoise, Monique Hepner, et Nathalie Marchal, éd. S’approprier le français: pour une langue conviviale—actes du colloque de Bruxelles (2013).Louvainla -Neuve: De Boeck, 2015. ISBN 978-2-8011-1751-4. Pp. 199. 35 a. Organized by the linguistic agencies in Belgium,France,Québec,and Francophone Switzerland that make up OPALE, (Organismes francophones de politique et d’aménagement linguistiques), the Colloque de Bruxelles of 2013 addressed the question of how to facilitate the appropriation of the French language by Francophones and nonFrancophones , considering specifically representations, educational practices, and language reform. A main issue, according to the researchers, is that the complexity of the linguistic and orthographic systems of modern French are compounded by the representation and perception of French as a difficult language. The presentations compiled in this volume consider the accessibility and learnability of the language, with a focus on social and linguistic factors, in a number of specific populations. In Francophone contexts, mastery of the language is associated with social legitimacy, and lack of mastery can be a social handicap that limits access to education, culture, and perhaps most importantly, the job market. The contributors thus explore social and educational factors as well as attitudes and representations that may hinder the learning and mastery of French as a first or second language. In Benin, for example, French is the official language, but weaknesses in the educational system limit access and opportunities for adequate learning (Alokpon); in Belgium, immigrants are given language instruction to help their assimilation to the host culture, but they may encounter inequality and discrimination that limit their motivation and development (Bernard). One poignant success story involves the creation of a radio show with immigrant women in Belgium: In the course of the project, the women were able 222 FRENCH REVIEW 90.3 Reviews 223 to develop their language skills through interactive radio formats like debates and interviews with people in the street, expanding not only their linguistic repertoire but also their cultural integration into the host community (Abgrall). In educational settings, the perception of the French language as an unattainable ideal frustrates the efforts of students and instructors. Several contributions suggest alternate educational methods, such as contextualized instruction in language contact situations such as the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa (Miled), increased focus on vocabulary for young learners (Anctil), and even an overhaul of language education (including orthographic reform) in Francophone contexts (Chartrand). Focus is also drawn to the difficulties inherent in the linguistic system of French, and language reform is a suggestion that arises in several of the contributions (Chartrand; Van Raemdonck). In an early presentation , Bouillon offers advice for those who would undertake spelling reform, based on his experience working on German orthographic reform. Hambye’s conclusion, meticulously drawing from the previous works, offers an excellent overview of the themes that link the various contributions, and his thoughts on the politicization of linguistic policy leave the reader with food for thought. The volume concludes with a convenient list and description of the organizing bodies from each country. On the whole, this collection offers insight into a number of contemporary Francophone situations and internal and external factors relevant to the appropriation of the language. University of Louisiana, Lafayette Tamara Lindner Marsac, Fabrice. Histoire d’S: ou le participe passé au Rasoir d’Ockham. Paris: L’Harmattan...