Subject

Canadianisms, French -- Dictionaries Books

Best books

Oscar Dunn

Glossaire franco-canadien et vocabulaire de locutions vicieuses usitées au Canada

"Glossaire franco-canadien et vocabulaire de locutions vicieuses usitées au Canada" by Oscar Dunn is a linguistic reference work created in the late 19th century. This volume aims to document and preserve the unique French language as used in Canada, addressing the blend of traditional French with local vernacular and English influences that characterize Franco-Canadian speech. The opening of the book includes a detailed introduction written by Louis-H. Fréchette, which reflects on the historical context of the French language in Canada following the Treaty of Versailles in 1763. Fréchette discusses the resilience of the French language and culture amidst British dominance and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the purity of the language against anglicisms and vulgarisms. The introduction sets the stage for the glossary itself, which promises to catalog over 1,750 distinct terms and phrases that reveal the evolution of the French language in Canada, highlighting local expressions and the impact of rural and urban life on linguistic development.

Narcisse Cyr

Dictionnaire des barbarismes et des solécismes

"Dictionnaire des barbarismes et des solécismes" by Cyr and Boucher-Belleville is a linguistic reference book written during the mid-19th century. This book serves as a guide to common grammatical errors and language misuse prevalent in the French spoken in Canada at that time. It aims to preserve the purity of the French language against the influences of English and local dialects. The content of the book consists of an extensive compilation of terms and expressions that are considered incorrect or ill-formed, along with their proper alternatives or meanings. Each entry provides examples of the incorrect usage, often highlighting the anglicisms and other regional variations that have crept into everyday speech. The authors express their concern about the degradation of the French language in Canada, advocating for a return to correct linguistic practices. This dictionary not only functions as a corrective tool but also sheds light on the evolving nature of the language amidst cultural exchanges.

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