20 DECEMBER 1919, Page 14

ENGLISH WORDS IN THE FRENCH LANGUAGE. [To ME EDITOR OF

THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR, I have read with great interest the article signed " S." on English words adopted in France. In spite of the compli- ment thus paid to England, as one brought up in the school of Sevigne and La Fontaine I cannot help shuddering at the ugly effect on the French language. Nevertheless I should like to know how our neighbours solve the difficulty of translating " right and wrong " in such a connexion as the following : "You have given me the wrong ticket." "What is the right use of coal? " When we borrow from the French we generally Anglicize the words, and the effect is less harsh.—I am, Sir, &c.,

L. C. F. C.