Resumen de Bilingual Occitan Signage in Conflict: The Curious Case of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone
This paper examines how the conflict in the linguistic policies of the State and Region are demonstrated through the linguistic landscape (LL). It discusses the use of the Occitan language in bilingual signage in France and how this might aid in the revitalization of the language. This paper also shows the importance of linguistic policy as regards the LL and the impact which such policy, or lack thereof, can have upon the LL and regional languages. Two case studies are used to illustrate these issues. Firstly, the use of Occitan in the city of Toulouse in the Midi-Pyrénées region of Southern France was studied, as this reflects the conflict between state and regional policy towards the regional languages and serves as an example of how the LL can be used to help revitalize an endangered language. Secondly, the case of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, a town near Montpellier in the neighbouring Languedoc-Roussillon region, is examined. This town has become the centre of attention not only for those concerned with Occitan and the other French regional languages but also those concerned with the representation of the language in the LL, as it was this town which has served as the catalyst for the creation of new legislation ensuring that regional languages may be used in the LL in France.
