Dialectal literature in Lille in the 18th century

Early 18th century Lille gave rise to a dialectal literature, the products of which are still largely unpublished or unappreciated. Three different phases may be distinguished. First came a successful street singer, Francois Cottignies, known as Brule-Maison, the author of burlesque parodies in patois. After him, seeking inspiration from the 'poissard' style then in vogue, his son Jacques Decottignies, a pedlar, published occasional pieces 'en vray patois de Lille', together with songs and dialogues called 'pasquilles'. In a third, less remarkable period, the style was taken over by the imitators. Whereas the educated frowned on such works, they remained much in favor with the common folk, whose culture and concerns they reflected; certain songs, for instance, criticised the nobility and clergy. Still appreciated locally in the form of more recent developments, these texts deserve to be studied for their literary, historical, and, above all, linguistic significance.