Jules Mousseron: Picardy-language minor poet

On December 7, the Université des Savoirs Partagés, in partnership with the Chaire Tourisme et Valorisation du Patrimoine, offered a memorable lecture dedicated to Jules Mousseron, emblematic figure of the Picardy language and miners' poet, in the enchanting setting of the Wallers-Arenberg mining site. The event was a continuation of the lecture series inaugurated by Dominique Verdeilhan, and came in the run-up to Saint Barbara's Day, the miners' feast day celebrated two days later.

A meeting rich in emotions and discoveries

Hosted by Olivier Engelaere, Director of the Agence régionale de la langue picarde, the conference captivated the audience with its richness and depth. Olivier Engelaere, also a doctoral student at the CERCLL laboratory and a passionate teacher, conveyed his love for the Picardy language and its heritage. His presentation, supported by the projection of period documents and enriched by a detailed analysis, enabled a better understanding of Jules Mousseron's work and legacy.

Jules Mousseron, the Mistral of the North and father of Cafougnette

A poet of Rouchi - also known as Picard, Chti or patois du Nord - Mousseron has been described as le Mistral du Nord, a defender of the language and regional identity, just as Frédéric Mistral was for Provence. His iconic character, Cafougnette, meanwhile, is considered the Marius of Hauts-de-France, embodying the popular and humorous side of the region.

Although Jules Mousseron was not a committed author per se, his work evokes with great accuracy the harshness of miners' daily lives, paying a heartfelt tribute to this world he knew intimately. Olivier Engelaere also emphasized the literary proximity between Mousseron and Zola, particularly on the theme of the mine.

Olivier Engelaere also recalled that, for much of the XVI^e century, northern France was under the domination of Charles V and the Spanish empire. This period of influence shaped the Picardy language, marked by its Latin roots, contrasting with Flemish, the predominant Germanic language in the Dunkirk region.

A lively, immersive evening

Before the lecture, a reading of texts by Jules Mousseron was orchestrated by Joëlle Jonas, author and storyteller. Students dressed as miners brought the Picard poet's poems to life, immersing the audience in an authentic and moving atmosphere. In addition, an exhibition of portraits and works dedicated to Mousseron welcomed visitors to the LEAUD hall, offering a visual and artistic introduction to the event.

A vibrant plea for the Picardy language

Engelaere concluded by pleading for greater recognition of Picardy, believing that it deserves its place in schools alongside other regional languages such as Breton or Basque. His infectious passion drew a lively response from participants, who were struck by the beauty and richness of this language, spoken throughout the Hauts-de-France region, except in the Dunkirk area.

An exceptional setting for a vibrant tribute

The conference brought together emotion, keen interest and enthusiasm. The venue, steeped in history, proved an ideal setting for the event. Participants praised the quality of Olivier Engelaere's speech, a brilliant orator and fervent defender of Picardy's cultural heritage.

An outstanding evening that highlighted the legacy of Jules Mousseron, an emblem of Picardy culture and literature, and emphasized the need to preserve and pass on this wealth to future generations.

> Discover or relive the entire conference on video

A major figure in the promotion of the Picardy language

Olivier Engelaere is a major figure in the promotion and study of the Picardy language and literature.
Director of the Agence régionale de la langue picarde, he plays a key role in the promotion and transmission of this regional language, listed as an intangible cultural heritage.
His work is part of a dynamic to preserve minority languages, in partnership with various cultural and educational institutions.

Doctoral researcher in Picardy literature

Doctoral researcher in Picardy-language literature at the CERCLL laboratory (Centre d'Études des Relations et des Contacts Linguistiques et Littéraires - UR 4283) at the Université de Picardie Jules Verne, he pursues in-depth studies of this little-known but rich literature, rooted in the history and traditions of Hauts-de-France.
His research contributes to the academic and scientific recognition of Picard.

A passionate teacher and trainer

As a teacher, he shares his expertise at the Université de Picardie Jules Verne and the Université Polytechnique des Hauts-de-France, where he teaches courses in Picardy language and literature.
In this way, he is training a new generation of researchers and enthusiasts, while making a wider public aware of the richness of this regional language.

Initiatives for the visibility and transmission of Picard

Under its leadership, the Agence régionale de la langue picarde deploys a variety of initiatives, such as publications, workshops, cultural events and educational materials.
These efforts aim to boost the visibility and use of Picard in the public and private spheres, while encouraging a citizen-based approach to safeguarding linguistic heritage.

Olivier Engelaere thus embodies a convergence of academic commitment, passion for local heritage and cultural activism.