Revitalization of the Regional Language in Provence by the Medium of Calandreta Schools

Revitalization of the Regional Language in Provence by the Medium of Calandreta Schools Richard Vacula (Abstract) This thesis focuses on the role of bilingual Calandreta schools in the process of maintenance and revitalisation of the regional language in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, France. It is based on empirical research undertaken in form of questionnaires and directed interviews in the place of two existing Provençal Calandretas, Gap and Orange. A sample of the local population and respondents from the area of the two schools has been included in the research. We have studied linguistic behaviour, attitudes towards regional education, and the picture of the schools and the language in question. The results suggest that the public is inclined towards the essentials of the language being taught, however, less so towards bilingual education. The results also show that the potential of the schools observed lies rather in their pedagogical methods. The strong pressure of French is noticeable even on the grounds of the schools. The use of Occitan in everyday communication situations is then somewhat rare. The regional language is noticeably associated with the school environment and is connected with specific contexts. Hence, it is necessary to rate the influence of the Calandreta schools on the real..