Grammaire française de l’étudiant, en 60 fiches et QCM by Frédéric Torterat (review)

Choosing a reference grammar book is a difficult task for the learner of French: there is such a wide range available, not only on paper but also online. Some stand out as major reference works and have seen several re-editions, showing not only major evolutions in the French language, but also the gradual transition from purely prescriptive to more descriptive approaches. Recent volumes more readily incorporate diastratic and diaphasic varieties as examples. After browsing through various grammar books, students will normally find one tailored to their needs and level. The language the textbook is written in also has an impact: L2 students of French have a preference for bilingual grammar books, although as they become more proficient they will tend to opt for one written in the target language. Frédéric Torterat’s monolingual French grammar book describes contemporary French in its written as well as oral usage, and draws its examples from modern corpora. Sixty major language issues (‘fiches’) are detailed throughout the book, on topics as varied as punctuation, noun formation, position and agreement of adjectives, the verbal group, and interjections. It is undoubtedly a scholarly and comprehensive volume that will be of interest to academics and students alike. However, it is aimed primarily at undergraduate students and those preparing for French competitive exams such as CAPES and agrégation, rather than students whose native language is not French. Proficient students of French and grammar enthusiasts will certainly find some interesting material based on recent research in linguistics to help them understand particular grammatical usages, but the specialized terminology and the density of some of the analyses may be a deterrent. Of particular interest are brief summaries of important points tackled at the end of each section and multiple-choice questionnaires testing knowledge. Examples posing potential difficulties are described in detail in the answers provided. The index is fairly comprehensive, but students looking for information regarding, for instance, the subjunctive, the passé surcomposé(a regional variety, stigmatized by some), the pronominal verbs, or tense agreement — all common sources of errors — will not find anything under these headings: the table of contents might prove more useful than the index in tracking down a particular grammatical question. A glossary would also have enabled L2 students of French to navigate the chapters more easily. As Torterat explains in the Introduction, the intention is not to catalogue grammatical regularities and irregularities, but rather to prompt students to reflect on the complexity of French phonology, morphology, and syntax. Once familiar with the grammatical terminology, the non-native student of French will certainly relish the exercises provided in this grammar book.