Existe-t-il un «espace identitaire acadien en France»?

Aperçu de la construction discursive d’une identité acadienne diasporique

Isabelle Leblanc

pp. 23-40

in: AUC Interpretationes 2 (2), 2012.

Abstract

This article examines the construction of meaning around the notion of ‘acadian’ in France. Acadians are francophone Canadians who do not share the same identity construction as French speakers in Québec. Acadians are ethnically linked to France because of the colonial process where French people crossed the Atlantic to establish settlements in North America. The history of Acadians involves their colonial abandonment by France followed by a forced Deportation by the British forces in 1755. This collective experience distinguishes their history from other Francophones within Canada. The relationship between Acadians and their identity construction within and outside of France is one that is complex. This article examines how France acknowledges its shared past with Acadians and how Acadians represent France in their own identity discourse.