France is in a small turmoil over changes soon to take effect in the spelling of 2400 French words. The changes, mandated in 1990 by the Academie FranÇaise, will take effect with the next school term.
Not all of the changes appear as radical as the slicing of the letter 'i' from 'oignon,' but traditionalists are up in arms over the changes, many of which involve removing accents and hyphens from a number of words, especially removal of the circumflex from many 'i' and 'u' words (cout for coÛt). The hashtag "Je Suis Accent Circumflex" is being widely used by both sides.
The debate includes arguments over whether education is being dumbed down by the moves, and whether national heritage and culture are being demeaned. Surprisingly, one of the words that is losing its hyphen is a word whose use has never been sanctioned by the Academie at all: "le week-end" is now to be spelled "le weekend," which appears to be a surrender of the fight for "fin de la semaine."
No word on whether the Academie will lighten up on its attempt to substitute "mot-diese" for "hashtag." But yes, you may now take your "ognon" salad on a "picnic," rather than a "pique-nique." For details on all the word and spelling changes, click HERE
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