Dictionnaire des barbarismes et des solécismes

About this book

"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.