Research Projects

ToF - Typology of Francophonies

The Typology of Francophonies throughout the World project (ToF) is aimed at developing a comprehensive description of the distribution of the French language throughout the world.  42 different francophone regions in Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Oceania are analysed according to a uniform set of criteria and a uniform structure. Following an initial determination of each individual francophony’s sociolinguistic situation, language history, internal and external language policies as well as the characteristics of French, the project will subsequently identify differences and similarities between the development of the French language in France and abroad. Two unprecedented features of the project consist in using francophony in its plural form and making France itself, in its regional diversity, a part of the study of francophonies. 36 academics from 13 different countries will contribute to the detailed presentation of the status quo of the development of the French speaking countries and regions.