Abstract EN:

The refrain of the french popular song, avatar of ancient choral traditions, is detached from or integral to the verse. Typology uses criteria of variability and position (the initial detached refrain, the epiversal, epiphoric or antepiphoric integrated refrain). The detached versal refrain usually contains at least sixtenn syllables, organised into four perceptual units. These constraints do not apply tothe integrated refrain. The popularity of these types and forms has varied throughout the century. Semiologic study reveals contrasting (external) traits, which oppose verse and refrain and pertinent traits, belonging to the refrain itself. Pertinent (or intrinsic) traits are: thematic motivation, which confers either the autonomy (as in the detached "folklore-type" refrain), or the integration of the refrain (as in the literary or "poetic" refrain); limpidity, which satisfies the need for simplicity and intelligibility); lyricism, vector of affective values. Two external contextual traits may be added : break and repetition. The detached refrain is said to have four principal functions: the structural function (to organize the song in a bi-modular whole); the function of clusure; the function of attraction (to attract or seduce the listener); and the function of perdurability (to ensure the continued popularity of the text). Occuring in a uni-modular versal structure, them integrated refrain; whose primary function is poetic, provides versal clausula by emphasizing the theme of the song.