Frenchification : Construction and Deconstruction

Abstract. This paper explores the process of frenchification of Bantu names in the Republic of Congo. The research is documented with the data collected from the Congolese regions and in the city of Brazzaville from 2019 to 2024. Applying a contextual and structural approach, the study reveals that the frenchification is predictable. The frenchified Bantu names can be unfrenchified through a reversal mechanism. The paper calls for linguistic consciousness, by denouncing the speaker’s responsibility in the distortion of Bantu names. At length, frenchification can be deconstructed. In this framework, the present paper is conceived as a contribution to the existing research projects on preserving African socio-cultural resources in general, the Congolese in particular. Key-words: frenchification, assimilation, vernacular language, vehicular language, alteration.