Evolution of the French Language System in Ivory Coast

Abstract

This article examines the current state of the French language in Ivory Coast. The relevance of the study is related to the lack of research on the state of French in Ivory Coast, represented by the following varieties: Ivorian Popular French, Ivorian French and the Nouchi language code. Nouchi, an integral part of Ivory Coast's linguistic system and a crucial factor of Ivorian identity, remains a poorly researched phenomenon today. The aim of the work is to objectively describe the phonetic, morphological, lexical and syntactic changes that take place in French on the territory of Ivory Coast in a situation of interaction with the autochthonous languages under the influence of extralinguistic factors. The scientific novelty lies in the integrated approach to the study of the French language system in Ivory Coast and the differences between each of the varieties of French and standard French. The research uses general scientific (analysis, synthesis, generalization) and special methods (descriptive and comparative methods). The analysis of the French language system shows the distinctive features of the French varieties from the standard French on the phonetic, morphological, lexical and syntactical levels. Ivorian Popular French is characterised by the greatest influence from the autochthonous languages and numerous features at all levels of the language, caused by the lack of education of its speakers. The continuity and interconnectedness of all the varieties of language examined is highlighted: the oldest variant of Ivorian Popular French became the basis for the formation of modern Ivorian French. Nouchi, on the other hand, combines earlier variants of French with borrowings from the autochthonous and European languages. Ivorian French and Nouchi are now widespread in all social strata and contribute to the issue of Ivorian self-determination.