Oxford Beginner's French Dictionary

Description

A fresh approach
Created to meet the specific needs of English speakers who are starting to learn French, this dictionary takes a completely fresh approach to helping you make sense of the new language. We have changed the design of the entries to make them different from entries in traditional dictionaries. What exactly is it that makes the entries so different?

• they have a new, clearer layout

• they are designed to provide the information you need in a helpful, readable way with the minimum of clutter

• since you will be using the English-French and the French-English sides of the dictionary for different tasks, each side works differently and it shows in the way the information is presented.

Because of these major changes, you will find that the dictionary is a far more efficient language-learning tool for you as a beginner. Finding the right information quickly and easily will make French more satisfying to learn.

More helpful and easy to use
The entries have been designed so that you can find the information you need quickly. Many of the conventions in traditional dictionaries which you may find confusing or offputting have been avoided, so:

• PARTS OF SPEECH and grammatical terms are written out in full for you. A separate section explains all the terms used if you should need to find out more about them

• explanations of specific grammar points and notes on how a word is actually used are provided in short paragraphs at appropriate places in the dictionary text

• groups of words which behave in a similar way, or which present similar difficulties, are treated in a consistent manner which you will quickly come to recognize. In many entries you are guided to other parts of the dictionary, to VERB tables, for instance, where you will find all the forms of the main French verbs. You will also find handy language notes which deal with such concepts as colours, countries, and dates.

• the language used in the examples and in the signposts to the right translation has been carefully chosen to ensure that it is clear and up to date.

This dictionary with its precise and lively examples, contains all the words you will need as a beginner and includes plenty of examples of British as well as American English in both the English-French and French-English texts.

Using the two sides of the dictionary to do different things
Each side of the dictionary has been separately designed to take account of the different ways in which you will use it.

The English-French side is longer. Since you are moving from your own language into French, you will need more detailed guidance. We have provided regular reminders about essential grammar rules. The signposts which pinpoint the precise context in which a word is used are there to help you choose the right translation. These ‘sense indicators’ are also supported with a wide selection of useful examples.

The French-English side makes the most of what you already know about your own language. The presentation of translations from French is therefore more streamlined. There is detailed treatment of the more irregular and unpredictable features of French which you may come across in newspapers and magazines, for example. A particularly useful feature is that the variations in spelling of IRREGULAR VERBS, ADJECTIVES and PLURAL NOUNS are all listed as separate entries in the WORD LIST. These words then send you to the main dictionary form where you will find the translation you are looking for.

Words in capital letters are found in the glossary.

Contributors

Chief Editor
Marie-Hélène Corréard

Associate Editor
Mary O'Neill

Editors
Gearóid Cronin
Françoise de Peretti
Natalie Pomier

Henri Béjoint
Richard Wakely
Tim Horner
Carol Petersen

Appendices
Graham Bishop
Mary O'Neill
Martyn Bird
Lexus Ltd.

Table of contents

Introduction

How to use the dictionary

The structure of French-English entries

The structure of English-French entries

French-English dictionary

Dictionary know-how

English-French dictionary

Learning and Lifestyle Kit

Glossary of grammatical terms

A guide to French grammar

French verbs

A guide to French pronunciation

Numbers

The French words you must know

Phrasefinder

Dates for your diary

Quick guide to life and culture

Social survival tips