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Brittany and the French State: Cultural, Linguistic, and Political Manifestations of Regionalism in France

Bishop, Elizabeth C.

Abstract Details

2010, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, French and Italian.

This dissertation is an exploration of regional identity and regional activism, primarily in the context of Brittany. It begins with a background discussion of the Third Republic and opposing political views on the regional languages and cultures of France that emerged during this period. The formation of regional consciousness and the evolution of the Breton language are two issues whose exploration will contribute to an understanding of contemporary Breton regional activism. Analyses of migratory movements, regional stereotypes, and symbolic regional cultural activities will provide a framework by which to explore the formation of regional consciousness. An examination of the vitality, or lack thereof, of the Breton language in France will follow, aided by a comparison of its status with that of other Celtic languages in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A discussion of the ethnic minority group of individuals of North African origins living in France will provide a unique comparison with the regional minority of Brittany. Additionally, an exploration of current political reactions to the immigrant presence in France will reveal that the question of regional identity has resurfaced in an emerging political movement of the extreme right.

This dissertation will illustrate that regionalism in France today has a direct impact on the cultural, linguistic, and political landscape of France and that the study of French regionalism provides insight into the preciously guarded values and institutions of the Republic. Broad themes that will guide this analysis will be the effects of nation-building on the peoples of France; the influence of minority groups on French national identity and the tension between Republican “universalism” and minority rights; and the education system as a microcosm of French society regarding these issues.

Jean-Francois Fourny, PhD (Advisor)
Judith Mayne, PhD (Committee Member)
Jennifer Willging, PhD (Committee Member)
209 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bishop, E. C. (2010). Brittany and the French State: Cultural, Linguistic, and Political Manifestations of Regionalism in France [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1282009176

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bishop, Elizabeth. Brittany and the French State: Cultural, Linguistic, and Political Manifestations of Regionalism in France. 2010. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1282009176.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bishop, Elizabeth. "Brittany and the French State: Cultural, Linguistic, and Political Manifestations of Regionalism in France." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1282009176

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)