Address pronouns in Tahitian French: investigation and analysis of current practices

This project will investigate and analyse current practices concerning the use of the address terms tu and vous ('you') in Tahitian French as well as perception of use (i.e. the values or ideals attached to particular use). The CIs aim to document, describe and explain this aspect of language variation and change in this variety of French which has received very little attention over the past 30 years. This stage represents the first step towards the development of a large-scale research project which will focus on address terms, politeness, and contemporary linguistic practices in the French Pacific. Globalisation, advanced communication technologies, and the current growth of the tourism sector all mean that it is essential to understand the various codes attached with particular geopolitical spaces in the French-speaking Pacific region.