Comment on Prononce le Français
Traité complet de prononciation pratique avec le noms propres et les mots étrangers
"Comment on Prononce le Français" by Philippe Martinon is a linguistic treatise on French pronunciation written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a comprehensive guide to practical pronunciation, addressing various aspects of phonetics including the nuances of vowel and consonant sounds, as well as the correct pronunciation of proper names and foreign words. It aims to clarify misunderstandings and inaccuracies prevalent in prior phonetic treatments, providing readers with structured, methodical classifications to improve their spoken French. The opening of the text begins with a preface in which the author discusses the insufficiencies of previous pronunciation guides and dictionaries. Martinon critiques these earlier works for their inaccuracies and lack of completeness, indicating a need for a new approach to teaching pronunciation. He outlines the fundamental principles guiding his treatise, emphasizing a method that focuses on actual usage in society, particularly Parisian pronunciation. Key concepts introduced include the importance of differentiating between various vowel sounds and establishing a logical framework for understanding pronunciation, setting the stage for the detailed analysis to follow in the subsequent chapters.