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  Tommy French - How British First...

  Julian Walker

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  ‘Napoo’, ‘compray’, ‘san fairy ann’, ‘toot sweet’ are anglicized French phrases that came into use on the Western Front during the First World War as British troops struggled to communicate in French. Over four years of war they created an extraordinary slang which reflects the period and brings the conflict to mind whenever it is heard today.  Julian Walker, in this original and meticulously researched book, explores the subject in fascinating detail. In the process he gives us an insight into the British soldiers’ experience in France during the war and the special language they invented in order to cope with their situation.  He shows how French place-names were anglicized as were words for food and drink, and he looks at what these slang terms tell us about the soldiers’ perception of France, their relationship with the French and their ideas of home. He traces the spread of ‘Tommy French’ back to the Home Front, where it was popularized in songs and on postcards, and looks at the French reaction to the anglicization of their language.

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  The Babel Message - A Love...

  Keith Kahn-Harris

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  'Quite simply, and quite ridiculously, one of the funniest and most illuminating books I have ever read. I thought I was obsessive, but Keith Kahn-Harris is playing a very different sport. He really has discovered the whole world in an egg.' Simon Garfield
  A thrilling journey deep into the heart of language, from a rather unexpected starting point.
  
  Keith Kahn-Harris is a man obsessed with something seemingly trivial - the warning message found inside Kinder Surprise eggs:
  
  WARNING, read and keep: Toy not suitable for children under 3 years. Small parts might be swallowed or inhaled.
  
  On a tiny sheet of paper, this message is translated into dozens of languages - the world boiled down to a multilingual essence. Inspired by this, the author asks: what makes 'a language'? With the help of the international community of language geeks, he shows us what the message looks like in Ancient Sumerian, Zulu, Cornish, Klingon - and many more. Along the way he considers why Hungarian writing looks angry, how to make up your own language, and the meaning of the heavy metal umlaut.
  
  Overturning the Babel myth, he argues that the messy diversity of language shouldn't be a source of conflict, but of collective wonder. This is a book about hope, a love letter to language.
  'This is a wonderful book. A treasure trove of mind-expanding insights into language and humanity encased in a deliciously quirky, quixotic quest. I loved it. Warning: this will keep you reading.' - Ann Morgan, author of Reading the World: Confessions of a Literary Explorer

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  The Farm to Table French...

  Victoria Mas

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  French culinary phrases, foodie terms, and cultural tips come together in the ultimate food-lover’s guide pays des délices.  Everyone can tell the difference between Brie and Caembert, but few know their Valençay from Pélardon. Luckily, The Farm to Table French Phrasebook serves up the vital French expressions other guides leave off the plate. From the specialty vocabulary of chefs in gourmet restaurants to slang terms rarely heard outside a country market, here’s everything the reader needs for a gourmet tour of France (or the local bistro!).  A comprehensive language guide for food lovers, this indispensable companion also offers a fascinating history of French eats, complete with delicious facts about the cuisines of every region from Alsace’s pinot gris to Normandy’s Pot-au-feu. This beautifully illustrated book is perfect to take along for a day of sampling gourmet local specialties, or it makes a great present for the Francophile in your life.The Farm to Table French Phrasebook opens a bountiful world of food that you won’t find in any textbook or classroom:• Navigate produce markets, charcuteries and patisseries• Prepare meals the French way with delicious, authentic recipes• Speak the lingo of Paris’s top restaurants and bistros• Pair regional wines with delightful cheeses• Master the proper table etiquette for dining at a friend’s house

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  Weird Words

  Thalia Quayle

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  "Weird Words" takes readers on a captivating journey through the peculiarities of the English language, exploring etymology, linguistic anomalies, and language evolution. This engaging book delves into the origins of words, grammar quirks, and the fascinating ways language changes over time, offering readers a deeper appreciation for the complexity of English. From contronyms (words that are their own opposites) to ghost words (created by printing errors), the book showcases the rich tapestry of linguistic oddities that shape our communication.
  
   
  At its core, "Weird Words" argues that these apparent inconsistencies are not mere obstacles but windows into human culture and history. The book progresses from fundamental language concepts to specific categories of weird words, culminating in an examination of how these peculiarities influence modern communication. Drawing on historical documents, etymological studies, and corpus linguistics, it presents a blend of scholarly insight and accessible explanations.
  
   
  What sets this book apart is its innovative approach, combining storytelling, humor, and interactive elements like "Word Wizard" challenges. By balancing academic rigor with a conversational tone, "Weird Words" appeals to a wide audience, from language enthusiasts to professionals seeking to enhance their communication skills. It transforms seemingly useless quirks into a celebration of language, inviting readers to embrace the weird and become more conscious, creative users of English.

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  Classic French Course in English...

  William Cleaver Wilkinson

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  In 'Classic French Course in English' by William Cleaver Wilkinson, readers can expect a comprehensive guide to learning French through a classic approach. The book not only covers basic grammar and vocabulary but also delves into the historical and cultural context of the French language. Wilkinson's literary style is clear and informative, making complex concepts easy to understand for beginners. The inclusion of classic French literature excerpts provides a deeper understanding of the language's nuances and uses. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to delve into the French language and its rich literary tradition. Wilkinson's attention to detail and passion for the subject shine through in every chapter, making the learning process engaging and rewarding. With 'Classic French Course in English,' readers can expect to develop a strong foundation in French language and culture, setting them up for success in their language learning journey.

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