German linguists yesterday called on the nation to use French words in place of their popular English equivalents in protest at the US-led war against Iraq. A campaign launched by the group Language in Politics proposed swapping English words such as "ticket" with "billet" or "briefing" with "communiqué".Oy vey!
English words and phrases are increasingly used by Germans who value the language's efficiency - compared to German - and its perceived street credibility. Among the words that it is proposed should be pushed aside in favour of French are "driver" for "chauffeur", "playboy" for "bon vivant" and "okay" for "formidable".
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
Germans give English 'le coup de grâce'
