About this book
Étienne Molard’s Dictionnaire grammatical du mauvais langage ou, Recueil des expressions et des phrases vicieuses usitées en France, et notamment à Lyon is a lively, corrective catalog of French “bad” speech that doubles as a window into regional and historical usage. Molard assembles mispronunciations, solécisms, provincial expressions and vulgar turns—especially those common in Lyon—and contrasts them with standard alternatives, offering clear explanations and prescriptive recommendations.
Part linguistic handbook, part social commentary, the book documents errors of grammar, misuse of prepositions, confused vocabulary, and localisms that marked spoken French of its era. Readers encounter illustrative entries (from misplaced prepositions to confusing nouns), notes on pronunciation and etymology, and a recurring aim to instruct young speakers in polite, regular language. The work captures contemporary attitudes toward correctness and the policing of speech, making it valuable for both language study and cultural history.
As a Languages reference, this audiobook is ideal for linguists, historical lexicographers, advanced French learners, teachers, writers, and anyone fascinated by regional dialects and prescriptive grammar. Listen to gain insight into how standards of French were debated, taught, and enforced—and to enjoy a richly detailed portrait of spoken French in its historical setting.
