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French grammar and customs may affect the way names appear in genealogical records. For example, the names of your ancestor may vary from record to record in French. For help in understanding name variations, see the "[[France Names, Personal|Names, Personal]]" section. | French grammar and customs may affect the way names appear in genealogical records. For example, the names of your ancestor may vary from record to record in French. For help in understanding name variations, see the "[[France Names, Personal|Names, Personal]]" section. | ||
== Language Aids == | |||
The Family History Library has genealogical word lists for French, German, and Latin. The '''French Word List''' is found below at the end of this section and contains French words of value in genealogical research translated into English. | The Family History Library has genealogical word lists for French, German, and Latin. The '''French Word List''' is found below at the end of this section and contains French words of value in genealogical research translated into English. | ||
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Additional language aids (including dictionaries of various dialects and time periods) are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog in the Place search under FRANCE - LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGES or in the Subject search under FRENCH LANGUAGE - DICTIONARIES. | Additional language aids (including dictionaries of various dialects and time periods) are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog in the Place search under FRANCE - LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGES or in the Subject search under FRENCH LANGUAGE - DICTIONARIES. | ||
== French Word List == | |||
This list contains French words with their English translations. The words included here are those you are likely to find in genealogical sources. If the word you are looking for is not on this list, please consult a French-English dictionary. (See the "Additional Resources" section below.) | This list contains French words with their English translations. The words included here are those you are likely to find in genealogical sources. If the word you are looking for is not on this list, please consult a French-English dictionary. (See the "Additional Resources" section below.) | ||
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Between about 1800 and 1812, French was also used in records of the Rhineland area of Germany, northern Belgium, and the Netherlands. In addition, French is found in some early records of Louisiana and a few other places in the United States. Since about 1680, the grammar, if not the spelling, of official written French has been fairly well standardized throughout the world, even though there are many different forms of spoken French. | Between about 1800 and 1812, French was also used in records of the Rhineland area of Germany, northern Belgium, and the Netherlands. In addition, French is found in some early records of Louisiana and a few other places in the United States. Since about 1680, the grammar, if not the spelling, of official written French has been fairly well standardized throughout the world, even though there are many different forms of spoken French. | ||
== Language Characteristics == | |||
French words for persons, places, and things (nouns) are classified as masculine or feminine. Generally, adjectives used to describe feminine words end with e. | French words for persons, places, and things (nouns) are classified as masculine or feminine. Generally, adjectives used to describe feminine words end with e. | ||
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''Le'' (masculine form of the) is used with masculine words. ''La'' (feminine form of the) is used with feminine words. But ''l’'' is used with either if the word begins with a vowel. For example, the word ''enfant'' means child or infant, either masculine or feminine. But ''l’enfant est né'' (the child is born) is used with a male child, and ''l’enfant est née'' with a female child. | ''Le'' (masculine form of the) is used with masculine words. ''La'' (feminine form of the) is used with feminine words. But ''l’'' is used with either if the word begins with a vowel. For example, the word ''enfant'' means child or infant, either masculine or feminine. But ''l’enfant est né'' (the child is born) is used with a male child, and ''l’enfant est née'' with a female child. | ||
== Variant Forms of Words == | |||
In French, as in English, the forms of some words will vary according to how they are used in a sentence. Who—whose—whom or marry—marries— married are examples of words in English with variant forms. This word list gives the standard form of each French word. As you read French records, you will need to be aware that some words vary with usage. | In French, as in English, the forms of some words will vary according to how they are used in a sentence. Who—whose—whom or marry—marries— married are examples of words in English with variant forms. This word list gives the standard form of each French word. As you read French records, you will need to be aware that some words vary with usage. | ||
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In French there are five diacritical (accent) marks. These are placed over vowels or under the letter c to indicate a change in pronunciation. The following diacritical marks are used in French: à, â, é, è, ê, ë, î, ï, ô, ö, û, ù and ç. The ç is pronounced as an s. These diacritical marks do not affect alphabetical order. | In French there are five diacritical (accent) marks. These are placed over vowels or under the letter c to indicate a change in pronunciation. The following diacritical marks are used in French: à, â, é, è, ê, ë, î, ï, ô, ö, û, ù and ç. The ç is pronounced as an s. These diacritical marks do not affect alphabetical order. | ||
== Spelling == | |||
Spelling rules were not fixed in earlier centuries. In French the following spelling variations are common: | Spelling rules were not fixed in earlier centuries. In French the following spelling variations are common: | ||
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*z used for s baptisé spelled baptizé | *z used for s baptisé spelled baptizé | ||
== Additional Resources == | |||
This word list includes only words most commonly found in genealogical sources. For further help, consult a French-English dictionary. You can obtain a French-English dictionary at most public libraries and through many bookstores. | This word list includes only words most commonly found in genealogical sources. For further help, consult a French-English dictionary. You can obtain a French-English dictionary at most public libraries and through many bookstores. | ||
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''French Records Extraction.'' Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, n.d. (Family History Library fiche {{FHL|6068523|film|disp=6068523}}.) In addition to being a glossary of names and genealogical words, this guide includes examples of French documents and instructions in reading the handwriting. | ''French Records Extraction.'' Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, n.d. (Family History Library fiche {{FHL|6068523|film|disp=6068523}}.) In addition to being a glossary of names and genealogical words, this guide includes examples of French documents and instructions in reading the handwriting. | ||
== Key Words == | |||
To find and use specific types of French records, you will need to know some key words in French. This section gives key genealogical terms in English and the French words with the same or similar meanings. | To find and use specific types of French records, you will need to know some key words in French. This section gives key genealogical terms in English and the French words with the same or similar meanings. | ||