"The Story of French", like any good story, tells of spectacular failures and unexpected success. This is the story of the French language - second only to English for the number of countries where it is officially spoken. A language that is the official tongue of two G-7 countries and three European nations. A language with rules so complex that only a few people ever completely master it. Nadeau and Barlow show the readers -- through their own experiences of living and travelling to French-speaking countries -- how the French language developed and changed over the centuries, how it came to be spoken in the Americas, Africa and Asia and how it gained and maintained its global appeal - unravelling the mystique of a language that has been mysterious for too long. Written in a chronological narrative spanning more than 10 centuries, from ancient French dialects of the 8th century to the present-day French spoken in Quebec, Algeria, Beirut and more. While the story of the French language may have began over a thousand years ago, it is far from over...
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"Exceptionally told, a celebration of the lasting influence of la
française." -- Kirkus Review
française." -- Kirkus Review
About the Author
Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, in 1964, Jean-Benoit Nadeau holds a bachelor's degree in political science and history from McGill University. A journalist since 1987, he has been the recipient of 17 journalism awards.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Mr X
Format:Hardcover
This book is about much more than one might assume from its title plus what is written on the back cover. It is true that it does describe the evolution of the French language from long ago to the present day but it also talks about the promotion of the language and its spread, initially in the area of Western Europe that is now France but also globally during the last 300 years.
Most interestingly, it gives a good insight to the use of language to spread influence and cultural ideas. For example, France was devastated by the Second World War but and at the end of that war found its global influence much diminished. However, through the promotion of French the Frence government saw a way of spreading French culture and influence aborad without any hope of doing so in other traditional ways. This policy of using "soft power" has been relatively successful too with French cinema being far more developed than say that of the British, and the Alliance Francaise being an institution much better known than the British Council (which I, as a Brit had not heard of until I read this book).
The book is written in a readable style and does not become involved in detailed discussion of grammar but focuses far more on the bigger picture. Also it is a book written by French-Canadians and is therefore much more global in perspective than "France-centric".
Most interestingly, it gives a good insight to the use of language to spread influence and cultural ideas. For example, France was devastated by the Second World War but and at the end of that war found its global influence much diminished. However, through the promotion of French the Frence government saw a way of spreading French culture and influence aborad without any hope of doing so in other traditional ways. This policy of using "soft power" has been relatively successful too with French cinema being far more developed than say that of the British, and the Alliance Francaise being an institution much better known than the British Council (which I, as a Brit had not heard of until I read this book).
The book is written in a readable style and does not become involved in detailed discussion of grammar but focuses far more on the bigger picture. Also it is a book written by French-Canadians and is therefore much more global in perspective than "France-centric".
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Very interesting attempt to clarify the formative years of the french language. LOADS OF very interesting facts emerge making the Tome readable throughout at once as a sourcebook and as a secular entertainment. It adds considerable perspective for all french language enthusiasts. Enjoyable throughout!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Alan Purslow
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
An excellent and informative book which gives a fair and accurate history of the French language and its former, and present, place in the linguistic and political world. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in French, or even with an interest in language generally. I am sure it is a book that I shall return to many times in future.
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