Usages du français et attitudes linguistiques chez un groupe d’étudiant·es béninois·es — Une étude sociolinguistique exploratoire

The Use of French and Language Attitudes among Beninese University Students — An Exploratory Sociolinguistic Study

Författare

Kim Sagbohan Kauppi

Summary, in English

In a country with over fifty spoken languages and a truly multilingual society, the existence of a single official language to unify the people may appear natural. However, when that language is inherited from former colonisers and is spoken fluently by less than 40% of the population, its status becomes questionable.

This study investigates the use of French and language attitudes among a small group of students at the University of Parakou in Benin. The aim is to explore their views on French being the country’s only official language, and the extent to which it is present in their daily lives. Through an online questionnaire, students were asked about their everyday language practices, which languages they consider important to pass on to future generations, their opinions on French in Benin, and their estimations of the country’s linguistic future.

The results show that the Beninese languages hold great value in the lives of these students, while French is recognised for its roles in intercommunication, education, and international opportunity. One major finding is that many students hope to see a Beninese language acquire the same political status as French, with most advocating for official bilingualism: echoing findings from similar studies in other West African countries.

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