French Literature Reviews - 2026

(Linguistics) French Phonetics and Pronunciation. 5th Edition
Literary Theory, Linguistics and Stylistics

Pierre R. Léon

Phonétisme et prononciations du français.

With practical exercises and answer keys

(5th edition).

Armand Colin

Coll. "Cursus - linguistique"

2007

ISBN: 978-2-200-34707-9

272 pages

20.00 €

Publisher's overview:

The book first reviews the foundational physiological, acoustic, perceptual, and linguistic principles of phonetics, providing a solid basis for subsequently examining the various aspects of French phonetics: articulation, accentuation, intonation, mute E, liaison, and their various forms of variation. Review questions and answers help students test their knowledge.
The text and illustrations in this new edition have been fully updated and expanded, with particular emphasis on rhythm, intonation, variation, and technology.

"The book contains numerous useful references, complete with questions and answers. The presentation is exceptionally rigorous and clear. Moreover, Pierre Léon possesses an unparalleled pedagogical sense and a tone that is always full of humor." (Élisabeth Guimbretière, Le Français dans le monde)
"A text worthy of Leon’s stature as a pedagogue and doyen of traditional French Phonology. Its coverage is broad, its proposal clear and its usefulness high. With the second volume Précis de Phonostylistique, it provides an excellent empirically-oriented introduction to the phonological structure of French for a wide range of audiences." (Douglas Walker, Canadian Journal of Linguistics/RCL)
"A solid introduction to general and French phonetics." (Christiane Laeufer, French Review)
"A valuable introduction to French and general phonetics […] brilliant and entertaining" (Michael Dobrovolski, Studia Linguistica)
"An excellent work" (Fernand Carton, Le Français Moderne)
"Phonétisme: Eine Summa seines Lebenwerkes" (Peter Wunderli, Vox Romanica)

Pierre R. LÉON, Doctor ès Lettres, member of the International Society of Phonetic Sciences, is Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto. He has taught at several French and North American universities and founded and directed the Experimental Phonetics Research Laboratory at the University of Toronto (1965–1990).

Table of Contents:

General overview of language components. From sound to spelling. Phonetic transcription. The physical nature of speech sounds. The perception of speech sounds. The production of speech sounds. Classification and functioning of consonants. Classification and functioning of vowels. Rhythmic infrastructure. Accentuation and rhythm. Melody and intonation. The role of the mute "E". Syntactic phenomena: liaisons and enchainments.

The study of phonetics examines the physical properties of speech sounds, including their production, transmission, and perception. Within the field of French linguistics, this discipline focuses on the specific articulatory and acoustic features that define the language, such as the functioning of vowels and consonants, the rhythmic structure of utterances, and the complexities of intonation. Phonétisme et prononciations du français details the mechanisms behind articulation, accentuation, and common syntactic phenomena like liaison and enchainment.

This text reviews the foundational physiological, acoustic, perceptual, and linguistic principles of phonetics before examining the specific phonetic structure of French. It covers the transition from sound to spelling, the role of the mute E, and various forms of variation. The volume includes practical exercises and review questions. Readers interested in the technical aspects of French phonology may find this examination of sound systems and rhythmic infrastructure relevant.