French linguistic ideology and regional languages today. The case of Catalan in Northern Catalonia

Abstract

France has a specific ideological position regarding language, a position that affects the Catalan linguistic area (Northern Catalonia, Andorra, Southern Catalonia). The current political developments in relation to the so-called “regional languages” are bringing about a change in the respective terms of reference. The balance of the French legal framework and parliamentary discussions allow us to highlight ideological attitudes. Some examples applied to the Catalan case, including anthroponymy and education, illustrate how this ideology translates into reality. Consideration is given to the development of what may be termed an “absolutist” or “schizophrenic” linguistic ideology.

Keywords: linguistic ideology, regional languages, minority languages, French linguistic policy, Catalan, Northern Catalonia, linguistic plurality, legal status of languages.