Contextualized French Grammar: A Handbook by Stacey Katz Bourns (review)

each entry contains synonyms or paraphrases, although the dictionary is devoid of definitions per se. Native and non-native speakers at any proficiency level should find the entries easy to navigate, especially after looking over the sample annotated entry in the introduction, which also contains a table of the IPA symbols for French and explanations of abbreviations, symbols, and the use of black and red type. Even so, the metalanguage is clearly that of the French system, and American learners, especially at lower levels, will need to work through the introductory pages to become comfortable with common terms like syntagme nominal or proposition complétive. The authors have produced a practical and compact manual; one that they insist represents the verbs of le français actuel. Unfortunately, no attempt is made either to define le français actuel or to explain how verbs were selected for inclusion . These are regrettable shortcomings given the international presence of French and increasingly sophisticated corpus-based lexicographic techniques. When the authors note that most of the verbs belong to “standard French,” one assumes they mean the standard French of France, but no clarification is offered. Similarly, it is unclear on what basis verbs were chosen for inclusion in le français actuel. Frequency of occurrence? In speech? In writing? On what grounds is zozoter, the last entry, more actuel than concurrencer, which lacks its own entry but appears as a synonym of rivaliser? The authors leave the curious reader without answers to such questions. Nonetheless, these critiques do not diminish the utility of the volume, whose stated goal is to help its readers produce—rather than merely decipher—French phrases. Early and intermediate learners will appreciate the straightforward blueprints for manipulating the building blocks related to the verb, which constitutes the heart of the French phrase. Advanced and native speakers will find this a practical reference, especially when writing. Admittedly, there is considerable redundancy with larger dictionaries and other more complete reference works, and this dictionary does not threaten to replace them. On the other hand, ease of consultation is a considerable attraction, which means that it will probably spend more time on the desk than on the shelf. University of Texas, Austin Bryan Donaldson Methods and Materials edited by Sarah Jourdain BOURNS, STACEY KATZ. Contextualized French Grammar: A Handbook. Boston: Heinle Cengage, 2013. ISBN 978-1-111-35414-5. Pp. 336. $43.95. Intended for use as a supplement to an elementary or intermediate textbook, this handbook targets problematic grammar items that challenge all students of French. Bourns attempts to fill in the grammar gaps that can result from curriculum limitations as well as constrained space in traditional French textbooks. Written in English, the handbook’s goal is to facilitate French grammar comprehension in a variety of contexts, such as spoken, written, formal, and informal. The handbook begins with a useful chapter that explains the most basic grammatical Reviews 621 terms (pronouns, conjunctions, etc.). The remaining ten chapters range in topic and difficulty from articles and determiners to the subjunctive and relative clauses . The final chapter concludes with grammar topics that fall beyond the scope of one of the previous chapters, such as the use of c’est for emphasis. The chapters conclude with a “Test Your Knowledge” section that evaluates the student’s understanding of the grammar concept and then an “Apply Your Knowledge section ” where students can practice each grammar form through written exercises. Throughout the handbook, Bourns includes special notes (“La langue parlée”) about how the usage of a grammar item may differ in written and spoken French. She also offers mnemonic devices to assist in the memorization of certain patterns or rules that exist in French grammar. Additionally, the handbook contains pronunciation discussions related to specific grammar topics. The “Rappel” notes in each chapter feature explanations of challenging grammar topics. Finally, a “Pour aller plus loin” section appears in certain chapters to provide additional explanations of the more complicated grammar topics for interested intermediate and advanced students. The greatest strength of this handbook is the selection and presentation of the grammar topics. Bourns has chosen those pesky grammatical forms and expressions that have proven to be the most...