Cette publication reproduit 23 des 30 communications qui ont été présentées à l'université de Yaoundé 1 (Cameroun) lors du colloque international sur le thème "Universités francophones et diversité linguistique" (26-29 juin 2008). Il a permis aux conférenciers d'émettre des avis contrastés sur le concept de la diversité linguistique universitaire, sa nécessité, les politiques linguistiques pouvant faciliter sa mise en œuvre, les stratégies didactiques alternatives, mais aussi, la nécessité d'un resserrement des rangs autour d'une langue française forte.

This book is a composite of 40 purely scientific and peer-reviewed papers presented during the Seventh World Congress of African Linguistics (WOCAL7) at the University of Buea, Cameroon, in 2012. The different chapters of the volume fall within the scope of African languages in relation to linguistics and other related disciplines, where a varied range of theoretical examinations, investigations and/or discussions as well as pure description of aspects of language are offered. For the purpose of clarity and easy accessibility of the content, the chapters are further subcategorized into nine sections, which include: Borrowing, Discourse Analysis, Historical Linguistics, Intercultural Communication, Language Documentation, Language in Education, Morpho-syntax, Phonetics and Phonology, and Sociolinguistics.

The theme of the conference, “Language, Law and the Multilingual State”, was determined to investigate the state-juridical challenges facing multilingual societies. Several related issues were addressed, such as minority and indigenous languages, globalisation and diversity, language rights, language ideology and language legislation.

The first part of this volume, La Francophonie ou l'éloge de la diversité, is devoted to “Francophone cinema, between Bollywood and Hollywood.” What in particular does Francophone cinema have to offer compared with American or Indian cinema? What more does Francophone cinema have to offer? What genres does it prefer? For what audience? The second part deals with the promotion of diversity in Francophone countries, taking into consideration the cultural aspects of Francophonie in the 21st century, the linguistic description of systems in contact, tracing the historical stages which have led to the creation of this locus of cultural diversity, and focusing finally on university cooperation and Franco-British scientific research. This book brings together contributions by outstanding authors who gathered in Oxford in October 2010 at the Maison française, including: Louis-Jean Calvet: Professor at the University of Provence. In collaboration with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, he works on language policy, particularly the struggle to maintain linguistic diversity. Bernard Cerquiglini: Rector of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie. An eminent linguist and specialist on the French language, Bernard Cerquiglini is known as the “Professor” from TV5 Monde’s Merci Professeur! Philippe Lane is the Cultural Attaché at the French Embassy in London. Gudrun Ledegen: Sociolinguist, Lecturer in Linguistics at the Université de la Réunion. She specialises in contact between French and Creole in La Réunion. The discussion is complemented by contributions by Maryse Bray, Karine Chevalier, Anne-Caroline Fiévet, Hélène Gill, Amélie Hien, Gaëlle Planchenault and Alena Podhorná-Polická.

This is a unique and groundbreaking collection of questions and answers coming from higher education institutions on diverse fields and across a wide spectrum of countries and cultures. It creates routes for further innovation, collaboration amidst the Sciences (both Natural and Social) and the Humanities and the private and the public sectors of society. The chapters speak across socio-cultural concerns, education, welfare and artistic sectors under the common desire for direct responses in more effective ways by means of interaction across societal structures.

Globalization is calling for new conceptualizations of belonging within culturally diverse communities. Quebec, driven by the pressures of maintaining Francophone identity and accommodating migrant groups, provides a fascinating case study of how to foster a sense of belonging.