Résumé :
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In this comprehensive introduction, Henriette Walter provides the reader with a panoramic view of the development of the French language in the past, the present and the future. Having located the language in its Indo-European context, Walter takes the reader on a rapid and lively journey through the development of French from its Latin origins to the present day, describing major features of the language at each stage of its development. She goes on to set Modern French in its linguistic context, by providing a survey of the surviving and vanished dialects spoken throughout the nation and describing the phonetics, grammar and vocabulary of some of the regional variations of French. Widening her focus, Walter provides a grand sweep of the French-speaking areas of the world, from Canada to the Pacific Ocean, giving examples of the vocabulary and pronunciation of each region. Finally she looks at the structure of Modern French, the effects of social change on the language and its future in an increasingly English-dominated world. This stimulating and entertaining account offers students of French a clear and accessible introduction to the language, with wide coverage of its worldwide context and milestones in the development of the language clearly signposted. The wealth of information that it provides is reflected in the extensive bibliography, four indices and numerous word lists, maps and diagrams. Henriette Walter is Professor of Linguistics at the Université de Haute Bretagne. Dr Peter Fawcett is Lecturer in Modern Languages at the University of Bradford.
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