Perception is reality: Parisian and Provençal perceptions of regional varieties of French1

Abstract

Though spoken French has tended toward standardization and homogenization, stereotypes of regional language are maintained, and thrive. The present study explores speakers’ perceptions of regional varieties, and relates those perceptions to linguistic security and prescriptivism in two regions: Ile de France (Paris) and Provence. Respondents from these two regions rated regional French varieties for correctness, pleasantness and difference from their own speech. The quantitative data, which is supported by interviews and a perceptual mapping task, reveals that speakers from these two regions have strikingly similar views about the region where French is most correct (Paris) and where it is most pleasant (Provence). Qualitative data from interviews and perceptual mapping show that respondent perceptions about normative language have little basis in empirical reality (i.e. language performance), but still may have a strong effect on speaker self‐image.

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