Focus: grammaire du français A1-B1 par Anne Akyüz, et al (review)

the chapters is the one on the development of the orthography, which is valuable to historians of French and language planners alike. The chapter examines in detail the various spelling systems that have been devised to render Haitian in text form, replete with ample examples and clear explanations of the ideologies that inform the planning of a spelling system. Discussion of language planning continues in a later chapter focused on the intersection of language and education. There is excellent coverage of the lexicon, and teachers of French linguistics may find the chapters on Haitian vocabulary of great use for comparative analysis. The coverage of the origins of Haitian is likely to be the most disputed chapter.Although Valdman gives space to a variety of theories of the origins of creole languages, he reiterates his long-held position that Haitian should be analyzed from the superstratist perspective; that Haitian is best understood historically as a restructured daughter variety of French. Theories of Creole origins are contentious, and although Valdman gives strong arguments for his position, scholars who are sympathetic to other perspectives are likely to take issue with his dismissal of these alternate explanations. Dictionaries of Haitian could have received more extensive coverage: Considering his status as compiler of multiple dictionaries of the language, Valdman’s brief discussion of these resources provided insights that would have been well served by their own chapter informed by his own extensive expertise. Elsewhere, some material gets a bit technical at times, particularly in the chapter on complex sentences; this level of detail is more likely to be appreciated by linguists than more casual readers. Occasionally, some terms are used without definitions (e.g.,“sandhi phenomena”[428]), but this is rare.A brief conclusion summing up the major points of the book would have been welcome, as the 450 pages of text seem to end abruptly.A work of such tremendous quality deserves greater editorial scrutiny, as numerous typographical errors attest (e.g., inconsistent spellings of French Guiana/Guyana and of some proper names). Overall, though, this outstanding book merits a place on any French linguist’s bookshelf. University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Jason F. Siegel Methods and Materials edited by Frédérique Grim Akyüz, Anne, Bernadette Bazelle-Shahmaei, Joëlle Bonenfant, et MarieFran çoise Orne-Gliemann. Focus: grammaire du français A1-B1.Paris: Hachette, 2015. ISBN 978-2-01-155964-7. Pp. 288. 21 a. Focus can be described as a clear, efficient, thorough, and flexible companion for courses on French grammar. Each concept is thoroughly reviewed with clear examples that serve as structural models. This modeling is particularly important because the 228 FRENCH REVIEW 90.3 Reviews 229 text is entirely in French, which sets Focus apart from others in its genre. The textbook is logically and progressionally organized by grammatical structure. It begins with smaller linguistic units such as verbs in the present, followed by nouns, qualifying adjectives, and determinants. The text then moves on to larger linguistic units such as sentence structure. Focus, advertised as une collection “tout-en-un”, could be characterized as a textbook-workbook hybrid with the way structures are briefly reviewed and followed by numerous activities.With 800 activities, 200 audio activities, and 250 interactive auto-correcting activities in the parcours digital, there is no need for students to purchase a separate activities manual. Instructors will find there to be an ample amount of material for both in-class and individual work at home. Though the in-text information is concise, more details can be found in its rich set of annexes; they treat spelling and grammar and include numerous self-testing exercises complete with correction keys for students.Also included are pronunciation exercises with audio files and some IPA transcriptions. Instructors will appreciate the transcripts, audio CD, and correction keys that are provided for all activities. While remaining very reasonably priced, the textbook is visually-pleasing, with a variety of color drawings and photo illustrations. Examples do include individuals of a variety of ages and individuals of color. Like many textbooks in its genre, Focus does engage to a certain degree with culture, presenting French television stations, Paris love locks, and...