Côte à côte 2: le français tel qu'on le pense by Jacques Bourgeacq (review)

This book continues the work of its predecessor, Côte à côte: étude comparative de l'anglais et du français, with explanations and examples of common problems students encounter in the study of French grammar. Many students of French cite grammar rules as threshold concepts that keep them from learning and progressing in their quest to express themselves appropriately and authentically in French. Students with a limited understanding of grammar concepts can benefit from succinct explanations of grammar in the context of comparisons of English to French. Those explanations and comparisons make up the sixteen chapters of this volume. From articles, parts of speech, moods, voice, problematic expressions and structures to general syntax issues, the author explores grammar rules and supplies practice exercises. These activities are designed to help students see how to overcome bottlenecks through practice where they are completing authentic examples of the rules in context. Passages from renowned authors such as Voltaire, Alfred de Musset, Alphonse Daudet, André Gide and more provide concrete examples of the structures introduced, allowing students to see real applications and gain cultural insights through literary passages. In addition to the literary passages, the author provides fill-in exercises and translation work that show French syntax in action. The titles of individual chapters are in both French and English to provide further insights about word order and syntax. This volume also provides a glossary of grammatical terms that is undoubtedly valuable for students who are not as well-versed in grammar as we might hope. Côte à côte 2 might be used as a stand-alone text in an intermediate to advanced course on composition or syntax, or as a supplement to a literature or composition course. Were the answers provided, the volume would also work well for individual study. In sum, this book provides insights into the nuances of expression and will help students better navigate and express grammar and syntax. Furthermore, students will have models for authentic expression and good references for difficult concepts, translation tips, or succinct explanations. This is a particularly valuable text for those teachers who wish to bring grammar back to the curriculum without turning students against it.