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       ENGLISH                                   OCCITAN                                     CATALÀ

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Joan-Frederic Brun

Among the literature developed in the various languages of the world, some have belonged to cultures that have been widely dispersed throughout the world (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese, etc.) while others to the official languages of countries that have played important roles (more or less!) in world history (Italian, Japanese, German, French, etc.). Yet in other cases the language and the associated literature are the symbols of identity for smaller cultural groups, often oppressed by neighboring cultures and languages.

Occitan literature offers an almost unique (or at least very unusual) situation. This is a very rich literature written in a language that has never been that of a nation. Occitania is almost totally a part of France since 700 years, and its language is considered by the French as a shame. It is believed by most people here to be nothing but a ridiculous corrupted form of French, that should absolutely be eradicated… Gigantic efforts have been made for this over he two last centuries. However the language is still alive… and still written…

In this context it is very surprising to read, for example, in the preface of Robert Kehew’s beautiful book, “Lark in the Morning: The Verses of the Troubadours.” (University of Chicago Press, 2005, bilingual edition) the following:

“the Troubadours exerted a strong, albeit indirect, influence on English letters”…

Yes! In most countries, in contrast to France, Occitan literature is considered important. Medieval Occitan literature exerted a strong influence on  Italian, Catalan, Spanish, and German literature.

Actually, there is a large movement among scholars and people fond of culture to rediscover medieval occitan literature: troubadours are nowadays well represented on the web. As could be expected, the greatest websites devoted to them are nothing but French. They are Italian. Don’t miss them, they are wonderful.