À la recherche de la variabilité en français langue seconde : Une enquête sur le subjonctif dans le contexte éducatif de la Nouvelle-Écosse

Abstract

The use of the subjunctive mood, especially in subordinate clauses, has sparked disagreements among grammarians, linguists, and sociolinguists. Traditionally used to express notions such as doubt and uncertainty, this mood is characterized by a frequent alternation between the subjunctive and the indicative among native speakers, as revealed by numerous sociolinguistic studies. What are the implications of this for second language French (FSL) speakers? This study examines how FSL programs in Nova Scotia prepare students for everyday language use and explores the factors influencing the choice of the subjunctive in spontaneous speech in Nova Scotia. By integrating a variationist approach and the development of learners' sociolinguistic competence, this research aims to determine how FSL learners perceive and use the subjunctive. It advocates for a nuanced pedagogical approach that acknowledges and incorporates variability in FSL teaching.