To what extent has French language imperialism culminated in a conflicted cultural identity in Haiti
Modern day education - how have we got to the situation where we are today?
Tracking the roots of cultural and linguistic imperialism
the French revolution and the ideals that travelled as a result of language.
Toussaint Louverture's relationship with the French- the expulsion of two generals, but the fact that he was more french than france was
What did France become to haiti?
Reactions to France- rejection and retribution.
Dessalines.
French elites and the period after the Revolution
destruction of french ideas on a physicla and violent scale
Negritude, creolité and indigene ideas. What were the effects of this.
what does it mean to be Haitian?
incorporation of African and voudou traditions
rejection of African roots
monopolising power
education and gov insitututions
the importance of Kreyol
why did French thrive- where is the root of the conflict
linguistic factors
What is a conflicted cultural identity?
every cultural identity is conflicted, and, as with history, an identity is movement in itself. So to some extent, every cultural identity thrives off conflict. It is the rejection of one thing that moves a society into a direction that could be called progress, or a development of identity. I think why this question is so interesting when referring to Haiti is b ecause of the immense ideological and historical factors that have dominated Haiti's turbulent history. From a linguistic point of view however, Haiti is especially interesting. As with any society, language provides a tangible root that commonality and nationality can flourish. For Haiti, a nation previously dominated by the slave trade,
Has French language imperialism actually implicitely strengthened haitian cultural identity
Negritude in itself, and then
How to define language imperialism
the transfer of a dominant language to other people
often military power
language as a key essence of cultural imperialism-
inclusion of literature.
Introduction- why I chose this title, what have I found, what is my argument.
things to remember
keep focus on title
formal
clear structure
French language imperialism in itself has had profound influences on the national and cultural identity of Haiti. It has mostly been conflicted. Ever since the beginning of french imperialism, Haitians have struggled with French influence, what it means to be French, but equally what it means to be Haitian. the role of toussaint louverture in establishing a foundation of nationalism, but equally co-operation with the French was destroyed following the war of independence and the ensuing turmoil as a result of Dessalines raging nationalism, and the preceding french invasion. it has been tumultous, for sure. The existing importance of French in modern day haiti should not be underestimated, and equally tells a story of the historical importance of French language imperialism in the domination of governmental, judicial and cultural affairs since the French first arrived on the small island.
importance of historical memory- what is that we now see as Haitian- and what contributes, or has contributed, to the cultural identity.
Early french language imperialism, catalysed by historical events, set up inherently conflicted conditions for Haitian cultural identity.
The French language was used as a vehicle for the preservation of power among the elites, and the ostracising of the poor in a hostile global climate.
The french language actually bolstered Haitian cultural identity in it's rejection of Frenchness and negritude- in an effort to find it's own identity.
extends itself to the modern day education system- where do we find ourselves today.
how impactful actually were these movements? Did they have any tangible benefits?
reactionary forces of Dessalines,.
Toussaint Louverture, global expectations.
rejection of negritude and the ideals behind it illustrate a strong sense of carribean identity. It's hard to quantify the conflict of a cultural identity- what can I use to measure it?
criteria
national unity/ inequality
works of literature/ movements that explore identity
cultural attitudes
dominance of language
Creation of Haitian Kreyol
lack of reach to the lower echelons of society had large ramifications
homegrown epistemology- language at the forefront- this in itself shows that language has been a massive issue, and therefore actually heightens the claim that french language imperialism plays a significnat role in the conflict of cultural identity.
How can we link language with ideas- what did Frenchness mean to Haitians- did they see themselves as distinctly haitian, or french haitian. Setting the seeds for a rejection of the African background we see today.
commonality of Toussaint Louverture and Leopold Sedar Senghor- what French meant to them- what were the outcomes.
idea that he was french but also wanted independence.
Haitian constitution (similar issues to what we see today?)
Haiti relied on France, and France relied on Haiti at some points but as soon as the relationship became sour, France was in a much stronger position than the newly found republic was.
second death of Toussaint louverture.