In Belgium, the Picard language is recognised as an "endogenous regional language". Commonly spoken from the 12th to the 20th century, this patois now has fewer and fewer native speakers. Nevertheless, it has survived through the efforts of various enthusiasts. A variety of original texts sit alongside translations. Recently, for example, we have been able to read Tintin, Martine, Le Petit Nicolas and Le Petit Prince in Picard.
Picard expressions lend colour to regional French, and for almost a century the language has been preserved by local authors and songwriters, enthusiasts, linguists, Tournai’s cultural centre and societies such as le Cabaret Wallon Tournaisien, les Filles Celles Picardes, la Relève Saint-Éloi and le Bistrot patoisant Tournisien.
Picard was also passed down through 19th-century regional literature and popular theatre, such as the "poriginelle" puppet shows at the Jorio theatre. Some of these traditional rod puppets are on display at the MuFIm.
To extend your visit
The Musée des arts de la Marionnette, next door to the MuFIm, also has a few examples of this puppetry tradition in its collections.
Langue et culture régionale
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