1st Edition
The French in Our Lives Past, Present, Future -- Influence and Implications
The French in Our Lives examines the profound influence of French language, culture, and thought in the world and, specifically, on the US and Americans throughout history.
While many books discuss the similarities and differences between the two cultures, this book focuses on the influences – frequently overlooked – of French culture on the US. The insights provided through this examination promote a better appreciation and understanding of the significance of the French language, and of French ideas and values, throughout the world and in the US.
Designed to enhance awareness of the significance of the French language and Francophone culture in the US and globally, this book will be of interest to students and instructors across disciplines, from French language and culture to US history and international studies.
INTRODUCTION: THE FRENCH LANGUAGE IN THE WORLD; CHAPTER 1. THE FRENCH-AMERICAN RELATIONSHIP: THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT; CHAPTER 2. THE FRENCH-AMERICAN RELATIONSHIP IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD; CHAPTER 3. FRENCH LANGUAGE AND FRANCOPHONE CULTURE IN THE US TODAY; CHAPTER 4. THE GLOBAL FRANCOPHONE ENVIRONMENT: TRENDS AND ANALYSIS; CHAPTER 5. THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FRENCH AS A GLOBAL AND LOCAL BUSINESS LANGUAGE; CHAPTER 6. BILINGUALISM: BENEFITS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND ANALYSIS; CHAPTER 7. FRENCH LANGUAGE LEARNING IN THE US; CHAPTER 8. THE FRENCH LANGUAGE AND FRANCOPHONE CULTURE IN THE US: FRENCH AS A HERITAGE LANGUAGE AND GLOBAL COMPETENCY; CONCLUSIONS -- THE FUTURE OF FRENCH -- THE FRENCH LANGUAGE: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE; CONCLUDING THOUGHTS; REFERENCES
Biography
Kathleen Stein-Smith, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques, is a dedicated foreign language educator and advocate. Her research, writing, and professional engagement are grounded in the role of French language and Francophone culture within the context of the significance of multilingualism in global citizenship. Since January 2015, she has served as the Chair of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) Commission on Advocacy.
