Adrienne's Dictionary

Library Journal

A teacher of English to adults in France, Adrienne devised her own teaching method, called ``Gimmich.'' She has now compiled a dictionary based on her method, which emphasizes current American idiom, slang, and even swear words, rather than ``the language of Shakespeare.'' Related words are often displayed in clusters; under drunk , for example, are listed alcoholic , barfly , get loaded , drink like a fish , hang one on , etc. Under look are included many idiomatic expressions like look after , look down on , look in on , look out , look up , etc. Some ``false friends'' that might trip the unwary are also pointed out. Not a scholarly dictionary, but one that could be helpful to Americans looking for French slang terms.-- Catherine V. von Schon, SUNY at Stony Brook

Booknews

The author has taught English to adults in France for many years and developed a teaching method published under the name "The Gimmick." Her dictionary draws on that program, was originally published in French as Dictionnaire de l'americaine parle (1988), and is directed to French speakers trying to learn English. The choice of words and idioms was made according to their utility for the new speaker. No pronunciation is provided because the author asserts that "these days everybody is familiar with the rhythms and accents of American English through films and singers;". she chose instead to give space to other considerations, such as "false friends," or close meanings that are easily confused, and grammar examples. It is not clear what has been translated in this edition--perhaps only the introductory matter. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)