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Etiemble Ren

Jan 26, 1909

Rating : AA (Data from a birth certificate)

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Ai Generated Biography Biography

French author, essayist, novelist, playwright, critic, professor of literature, married once, one child.

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Update at: Jul 15, 2025
`` Etiemble Ren

Etiemble (René Couppat)

Born: January 26, 1909, Mayenne, France

Died: October 7, 2002, Vulaines-sur-Seine, France

Etiemble (pen name of René Couppat) was a prominent French scholar, writer, and literary critic known for his comparative literature expertise, strong advocacy for non-Western literature, and outspoken views on language and culture. He held a significant professorship at the Sorbonne and authored numerous books and articles spanning various subjects, including literary criticism, translations, essays, and even a novel.

Key Contributions and Positions:

  • Professor of Comparative Literature at the Sorbonne
  • Champion of "comparative literature" promoting the study of literature beyond national borders.
  • Strong advocate for translating and appreciating literature from non-Western cultures (particularly Chinese, Japanese, and Indian).
  • Critic of what he saw as the dominance of Western cultural perspectives.
  • Known for his controversial critiques of French language and literary traditions.

Notable Works:

Etiemble published extensively. Some of his influential works include:

  • Parlez-vous franglais? (1964): A highly influential and polemical critique of the incursion of English words into the French language. This book sparked significant debate and contributed to efforts to preserve the "purity" of French.
  • Le Comparatisme (1988): A significant work on comparative literature theory and practice reflecting his decades of scholarship in the field.
  • Translations of Chinese, Japanese, and Indian literature, making these works accessible to a wider French audience.
  • Numerous essays and articles on literature, language, and cultural criticism, published in various journals and collections.

Legacy and Influence:

Etiemble's impact on comparative literature is undeniable. His staunch defense of non-Western literature challenged the traditional Eurocentric focus and helped broaden the scope of literary study. While his critiques of French language and culture were often met with controversy, they undeniably contributed to vital discussions about language preservation, cultural identity, and the influence of globalization.

Note: Information on social media presence and specific recent projects from the timeframe of his life (pre-2002) is extremely limited given the digital landscape of that era. Scholarly databases and library archives would be more appropriate resources for in-depth research on his works and impact.

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