Le Langage Muséologique comme Forme d’Expression et de Promotion des Valeurs Identitaires

Abstract

Museological Language as a Form of Expression and Promotion of Identity Values

Faced with the rapid changes in current societies, cultural heritage is positioned as a powerful lever for the construction and promotion of identity. Every day, it arises acutely, the need to educate about heritage and to pass it on to future generations in all the richness of their authenticity. When it is valued, heritage becomes a vector of development and wealth. This work is based on the observation that Cameroonian youth are going through a crisis of identity values manifested by non-consumption and the devaluation of their culture. The present research, which focuses on "Museological Language as a Form of Expression and Promotion of Identity Values", is based on the need to present the museum institution as a showcase allowing one to fully immerse oneself in the identity realities of a country. From a perspective underpinned by the theory of social representation and that of the linguistic imagination, it raises the question of how the specific cultural referents on which the offer of the Mont Fébé Bénédictins Muséum in Yaoundé is based, do they participate in the expression and promotion of the identity values of Cameroonian society? To answer this question, we designed an investigation that took place in two phases, including the pre-investigation and the investigation itself. The pre-survey took the form of direct observation, documentary analysis and interviews with open questions with certain museum officials. Regarding the survey itself, it was based on the interviews and the administration of the questionnaire. More precisely, we conducted a survey based on participant observation, documentary research and semi-structured interview, with 50 subjects, including 40 visitors and 05 officials of the said museum, as well as 05 officials of the Ministry in charge of arts and culture. The results reveal that this establishment is a real space for showcasing Cameroonian identity values, in their richness and variety, but whose exhibition system does not promote the appropriation of the messages of the works. Suggestions for a better language system, with a view to better expression and greater promotion of identity values by this Museum have been formulated. This involves, among other things, attaching messages in French, English and in the reference language of the cultural area of origin of the exhibits to facilitate the appropriation of the messages by visitors; to strengthen the linguistic capacities of museum staff, so that they can not only have a perfect command of the content conveyed by the exhibitions, but also that they proceed efficiently to support visitors.