Who said that patois was a dead language? While it is true that it is much less spoken than before, it remains very present in the region. It is precisely to continue to make it known that the Savoyard Culture Center offers those who wish to participate in the 8th patois contest.
Thus, candidates can send their writings until Friday, May 1st, as explained by Pierre Barrioz, treasurer of the association and president of the jury. The writings can take the form they wish: texts, poems, sketches, or songs on the theme of daily life, and must not exceed two pages, according to the regulations. Sound recordings or videos depicting these creations can also be added to them. It is possible to participate in the contest either individually or as a group (family, class, etc.).
Passing on local culture
A patois contest that the Savoyard Culture Center particularly values. Indeed, the goal of this association is to pass on everything related to the region, such as heritage, architecture, and of course patois, or rather the Franco-Provençal language, spoken notably in Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Romandy, Franche-Comté, and Savoy. Even though it is “less transmitted”, it was still recognized as a “regional language in 2021”, specifies Pierre Barrioz.
As for the association, it “meets three times a year” at Maison Perrier de La Bathie. It has around thirty members, from both Savoy and Haute-Savoie. During these meetings, members of the association naturally speak in patois or sing, for example. However, the Savoyard Culture Center does not offer language courses: those interested in learning must therefore approach local groups.
Information on www.lourbiolon.com or at 06 82 48 64 78. Registrations can be made until Friday, May 1st at konkor2025.konflan @gmail.com or by mail to the Savoyard Culture Center.
