French and Tây Bồi in Vietnam : a study of language policy, practice and perceptions

Abstract

The field of this thesis is the policy and practice of French language use in Vietnam, with particular reference to Tây Bồi, a pidgin French spoken during the colonial era. The work will examine the varieties of French, the circumstances of their origins and development, how they are used and how they could contribute to the study of the meeting of different languages and cultures, especially with regard to the interaction of French with other languages. The example of Tây Bồi will illustrate some of the overlooked results of language planning policies and how practical usage differs from the ideals.