THE FRENCH ORTHOGRAPHY THROUGH THE EYES OF THE FRENCH: HISTORICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND DIDACTIC ASPECTS

Abstract

In this article, we have analyzed some recent publications in the French mass media that concern the issue of the historical development and the present state of the French orthography which is not without reason considered to be complicated. It is noted that when teaching French and French-speaking culture, the approach to problems related to the orthography should ultimately form in pupils and students not only the imperative for constant attention in the process of writing, but also an understanding of the modern linguistic and sociocultural reality: the French orthography is the result of certain linguistic, historical and political processes, a fact and an accomplishment of French-speaking civilization, a phenomenon that reflects a certain mentality and that deserves an unconditional respect, a friendly attitude and a willingness to accept the recommendations offered by scientists in the French-speaking world. It has been accentuated that it is desirable for pupils and students to get acquainted, in general or in depth, with the attitude of speakers of the French language and French-speaking culture – linguists, journalists, writers, artists, and educators in particular – to the specified problems. In the article the consequences of the French perception of the French language in general as a statebuilding factor and the orthography in particular as a cultural heritage that requires unconditional preservation under the French Academy have been highlighted. Some historical facts that caused the complexity of the French orthography have been given. The trends characterizing the situation in the formation of orthographic competence in the French school and the influence of orthographic competence on the professional career of the French have been specified. The factors contributing to the degradation of orthographic skills and the prospects for further reform of the French orthography have been analyzed. The possibilities of using dictation as the main means of formation and quality control of orthographic skills have been illustrated.