Transnational French Studies

Transnational French Studies contributors position this field within transnational frameworks, defining the core skills and methodologies for studying French culture as a transnational, transcultural, and translingual phenomenon. The book explores the transnational dimensions of being human, focusing on language, transcultural places, time, and transnational subjectivities, demonstrating that the transnational is present throughout French history and culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Transnational French Studies is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that explores the complex interplay between French culture and global contexts. Contributors to this discipline position it within transnational frameworks, recognizing the interconnectedness of cultures and languages across borders. The primary goal of this volume is to establish a comprehensive set of skills and methodologies for studying French culture as a transnational, transcultural, and translingual phenomenon. Written by esteemed scholars in the field, the chapters showcase the diverse range of inquiry that can be pursued to understand the multifaceted realities of French culture, both material and non-material.

The book delves into the transnational dimensions of human existence, focusing on four key practices that constitute the object of study for students of French: language and multilingualism, the construction of transcultural places and the associated sense of space, the experience of time, and transnational subjectivities. The underlying premise of the volume is that the transnational has always been present throughout the history and culture of France. The chapters address instances and phenomena associated with the transnational, spanning from prehistory to the present, expanding the geopolitical map of French studies beyond France and including sites where communities identified as French have formed.

One of the key insights of Transnational French Studies is the recognition of the fluidity and mobility of cultural elements. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of cultures, languages, and identities, highlighting how French culture has been influenced by and influenced other cultures throughout history. The book also explores the challenges and opportunities that arise from the transnationalization of culture, such as the spread of French language and literature, the emergence of new cultural forms, and the complex negotiations between different cultural traditions.

Another important aspect of Transnational French Studies is its emphasis on the role of language in shaping cultural experiences and identities. The book explores the ways in which language plays a crucial role in the construction of transcultural spaces, the transmission of knowledge, and the formation of transnational communities. It also examines the challenges and complexities associated with multilingualism, such as language loss, language revitalization, and the development of hybrid languages.

The construction of transcultural places is another key theme in Transnational French Studies. The book examines how spaces, such as museums, libraries, and cultural centers, contribute to the creation of transcultural spaces that facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences, and cultural practices. It also explores the ways in which these spaces shape the perception and representation of French culture by both insiders and outsiders.

The experience of time is another critical aspect of Transnational French Studies. The book explores how different cultures perceive and interpret time, and how this perception affects cultural practices, rituals, and beliefs. It also examines the ways in which time travel, migration, and globalization have influenced the experience of time in French culture and beyond.

Transnational subjectivities are also explored in the book, recognizing the diverse and complex identities. The book examines how individuals navigate the multiple identities and cultures that they inhabit, and how these identities are shaped by their experiences of migration, displacement, and hybridization. It also examines the ways in which individuals create and express their identities through language, literature, and cultural practices.

In conclusion, Transnational French Studies is a groundbreaking and essential contribution to the field of Modern Languages. It provides a comprehensive set of skills and methodologies for studying French culture as a transnational, transcultural, and translingual phenomenon. By delving into the transnational dimensions of human existence, language, culture, and identity, the book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of French culture and its place in the world. It is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complex and dynamic relationships between cultures and languages in the modern world.

Weight: 836g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789622560