Subject
French language -- Dictionaries Books
Best books
N.-J. (Nicolas-Joseph) Carpentier
Dictionnaire du bon langage Contenant les difficultés de la langue française, les règles et les fautes de prononciation, les locutions vicieuses, les wallonnismes, les flandricismes, etc.
"Dictionnaire du bon langage" by N.-J. Carpentier is a reference book focused on the nuances and correct usage of the French language, written in the mid-19th century. This work serves as a guide for addressing common linguistic difficulties, mispronunciations, and inappropriate expressions, particularly for speakers from Wallonia and Flanders, as well as for those wishing to refine their French. The author emphasizes the need for learners to not only learn the rules of proper language but also to unlearn bad habits acquired through regional dialects and incorrect usage. At the start of the text, Carpentier introduces the purpose of the "Dictionnaire," highlighting the importance of addressing the pronunciation and expression errors commonly found among various French-speaking populations. He underscores the educational gaps in teaching standard French and aims to provide a comprehensive resource that addresses both negative (errors) and positive (correct usage) aspects of the language. The opening portion outlines the dictionary's structure and the dual approach it takes: identifying common linguistic faults while offering solutions for effective communication.
F. (François) Génin
Lexique comparé de la langue de Molière et des écrivains du XVIIe siècle
"Lexique comparé de la langue de Molière et des écrivains du XVIIe siècle" by F. Génin is a scholarly publication written in the mid-19th century. This work focuses on the intricacies of the French language as utilized by Molière and other notable writers of the 17th century, highlighting the evolution and variations present within the language during this period. The book aims to enrich understanding of French philology, particularly through the lens of notable literary figures. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the premise of comparing and analyzing the language of Molière alongside that of his contemporaries. The author discusses the unique evolution of the French language, noting the shifts and variations that occurred from its Latin roots to the renaissance period. Génin emphasizes the need to return to the traditional and popular origins of the language, arguing that the styles of 17th-century writers reveal much about the historical context and linguistic development of their time. The chapters that follow promise to delve into Molière’s life, his contributions to French literature, and the linguistic elements that characterize his works, thereby setting the stage for a detailed examination of the language used in major literary pieces of the era.
Antoine Furetière
Essais d'un dictionnaire universel contenant généralement tous les mots François tant vieux que modernes, & les termes de toutes les Sciences & des Arts
"Essais d'un dictionnaire universel" by Antoine Furetière is a dictionary published in 1684 as a preview of his comprehensive French language dictionary. This work sparked a bitter conflict with the Académie française, which held a monopoly on general dictionaries. Furetière's dictionary included specialized terminology and peripheral vocabulary, challenging academic authority. The controversy led to his expulsion from the Académie in 1685 and the revocation of his publishing privilege. The complete dictionary appeared posthumously in 1690, igniting religious and scholarly debates across Europe for decades.
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