Peut-on parler d'une diaspora acadienne? Une analyse de l'effet du milieu et de la descendance sur la construction et la manifestation identitaires des Acadiens du Québec

Abstract

Following on the debates about the meaning of Acadia, this thesis intends to explore the idea of a so-called "Acadia of the diaspora". By examining the identity phenomenon, both at the level of representations and of the individual and collective life experience of one of the Acadian groups living outside the Maritimes, namely the Acadians of the province of Quebec, it tries to find an expression of what characterizes globally and on the long term what is called the "Acadian diaspora", and, at the same time, to define the basis of its existence. Through a geographical analysis, it also attempts to understand the role of the environment and of the generation in identity building for the Acadians living in different places of Quebec and to identify the territory they belong to. This thesis may not close the debate, but it attempts to initiate a reflection that could result in collaborative actions from Acadians different background while throwing some light on questions left answered after the first World Acadian Conference.