 |
Linked Through Language
When people in south Louisiana started exploring their French roots, they had no idea how far the search would take them. Today, they travel all over the French-speaking world, and welcome visitors from as far as Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia to celebrate what they have in common. At the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, studying the connections between French-speaking peoples has become a regular part of university life. ULL’s Francophone Studies program is one of only three programs in the world that focus on regions where French is spoken. The Department of Modern Languages hosts 30 to 40 masters and doctoral students in Francophone Studies. “It’s an exciting concept,” says Barry J. Ancelet, head of the Department of Modern Languages and director of the Center for Acadian and Creole Folklore at ULL. “When we began exploring who we are and where we come from, it led us back to France, the West Indies, Belgium and beyond.” For example, Ancelet says, to understand Zydeco, you have to understand sub-Saharan French colonial culture. Professors and instructors from other parts of the university bring their expertise to the program. A Belgian native who taught 19th century history now teaches Belgian Studies in the Francophone Studies program. Others teach Acadian Studies, as well as the history, culture and politics of Quebec, Montreal, North Africa and even Vietnam, which is the old French Indochina colony. The program benefits from having both teachers and students from across the globe. Students study Louisiana French locally and travel throughout the French-speaking world to investigate other cultures. The international perspective prepares students for a wide range of careers beyond the traditional academic route. Francophone Studies’ first graduate works for the United States government as an expert on Africa. The program’s second graduate leads CODOFIL, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, an organization that promotes French language programs in Louisiana schools. International banks, airlines and other worldwide industries offer plenty of career opportunities for graduates with international knowledge. Those who do want to teach find positions with other universities or find a home in local elementary and middle schools, where French Immersion is one of the hottest programs. The Francophone Studies program works with ULL’s College of Education to train language teachers. “They’re hired almost off the stage,” says Ancelet. “There’s a desperate need for them.” Four Francophone Studies doctoral students walked across the stage in May, 2000. Two completed dissertations on traditional medicine and healing. One explored images of Americans in the French press, and the fourth completed studies in socio-linguistics. The broad range of subjects thrills Ancelet. “It’s one of the most exciting places I’ve ever been,” he says. “I get paid to have exciting, intelligent conversations.” |