Mobilités, langues et identités : une étude auprès d'Africains subsahariens francophones à l'Ouest du Canada

In a context of increasing mobility and cultural pluralism, this study investigates the experiences of Francophone diasporas from sub-Saharan Africa living in British Columbia, Canada. These communities, shaped by diverse historical and cultural backgrounds, navigate a predominantly English-speaking environment while maintaining strong linguistic and cultural ties to their countries of origin and the broader Francophone world. The research explores how these individuals construct and negotiate their identities within a multicultural and multilingual Canadian society. Grounded in an Afrocentric paradigm (Asante, 1991; Mazama, 2001) and drawing on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates diaspora studies, Francophone studies, and migration sociology, the study employs qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, community conversations and participant observation. It highlights the transnational and transcultural practices that emerge from the diasporic experience, emphasizing how migrants exercise agency to adapt to new environments, overcome integration challenges, and reshape their sense of belonging. The analysis is structured around three core themes: identity construction through and within mobility; the role of transnational practices in integration processes; and the tensions between institutional narratives and participants' lived identities. By centering on the lived experiences of Francophone African migrants, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how mobility, language, and identity intersect in the Canadian transnational context. It addresses critical gaps in the literature on immigrant integration and identity formation, particularly in higher education and community settings. It also offers insights into more inclusive integration policies that reflect the diversity of migratory trajectories and the complexity of diasporic affiliations to better support their resilience in host societies.