Acknowledment
My graduate studies and my dissertation research would not have been as fulfilling and
enriching without the support of Rice University, and in particular the School of Graduate
Studies, the Department of French and the staff of the Center for the Study of Languages.
I am extremely honored to have been part of such an incredible program and school.
My deepest gratitude goes to my Dream Team, Prof. Bernard Aresu and Prof. Deborah
Harter. Your knowledge, guidance and unconditional support have been essential to the
success of my studies, the completion of my thesis as well as my growth as a scholar and
a teacher. I will never be able to thank you enough for the time and energy you have
devoted to me and my work. You are extraordinary mentors and I can only hope to be as
devoted, passionate and genuine as you are in my future career as a professor.
Prof. Freeman, thank you for your support, your advice and the wonderful collaborative
experience. My great appreciation also goes to my dissertation reader, Prof. Cohen and
to all the supportive professors of French at Penn State, in particular Prof. Vuillemin and
Prof. Yaari. Leticia, thank you for your endless help and warm smile. You have saved
me from trouble more than once.
A special thought to my colleagues from Hamilton College, where it all began: Prof.
Bonnie Krueger who gave me a chance, Prof. Joseph Mwantuali, my guardian angel and
Prof. Mathieu Dalle.
I am also sincerely grateful for having met so many wonderful friends along the way:
fellow graduate students, roommates, study buddies, etc. My dear friends, your
friendship have helped me through the most difficult times and made me enjoy this
journey to the fullest. I will never forget your support, encouragement, precious advice
and faith in me. Stéphanie, Kathleen, Susan, Karoline, Wakaba, Jenny, Heidi, Adriana,
Liz, Samantha, Milda and Ambre, I love you.
Finally, I would like to thank my family who has always been supportive and never
questioned my professional choices no matter what. I have deeply appreciated your
candid behavior toward my work (Foucault? You mean Jean-Pierre??). You have saved
me from insanity in times of stress and discouragement by reminding me what is the most
important thing in life.