French colonisation in popular culture of francophone countries - Personal Statement Example

French colonization and culture in francophone countries With France being the second power to acquire many colonies inAfrica after Britain, French colonization has had numerous impacts on the concerned Francophone colonies. It is evident that the French spread their culture, language and numerous other elements in their colonies. The African continent that had contacts with the French clearly indicates massive changes in the traditional culture they had previously treasured. In the words of Sonnenburg, the central focus of French colonization revolved around the spread of the French culture and language beyond the boundaries of France (221).

With the French culture spreading beyond the national boundaries, one would argue that one of the major implications of the French colonization led to the spread of French language to Africans. Sonnenburg continues to emphasize that the French assumed the African syntax and made it obligatory for the Africans to speak French, a policy referred to as the assimilation process (221). Centuries later, the Francophone countries still use French as their official language. Africans adopted the Frenchman way of living.

The mode of dressing changed for the Africans. Regardless of copious protests against the revolution of the Africans to Frenchmen, the French managed to change the Africans. With time, studies indicate that Africans were able to change their lifestyles to French to extent that to be elected in the legislative assembly, Africans had to lead a life similar to that of the Frenchman (220). In the case of Tunisia for example, nearly all the elite and government officials had been assimilated to being Frenchmen.

Eradication of the French language and replace it with the indigenous Arabic language was completely tasking for the Tunisians. With French literacy elevated in Tunisia, this is yet another impact on the culture of Francophone colonies of Africa. In a study of colonization and France with its spheres of influence, France ought not to be linked to colonization. France has been associated with education and spread of the same to other generations (223). In one way or another, it would arguable that the French brainwashed their colonies into accepting their language and culture; thus, entire loss of the African identity.

As opposed to coercion like other colonial masters, the French managed to influence he colonies into embracing the Frenchman way of living (222). Francophone countries became multicultural societies embodied with a blend of both African culture- in minute forms, and the French culture dominating the way of living. Conclusively, identity can be indicated to be the blueprint of the functionality of the French society operation. The French language acted as a form of loyalty to the norms of the current society.

Political interests in Francophone countries were also based on the Franco-linguistic ability. Culture in francophone countries can therefore be discussed in line with the assimilation and association policies by the Frenchman. African way of living and traditions were hugely eroded by the French, in some countries partially, others completely. Work citedSonnenburg, Penny M. Colonialism: An International, Social, Cultural, and Political Encyclopedia, Volume 1. New York: ABC-CLIO, 2003. Print.