Question:

What steps should one take to adopt the “Reform 1990” spelling conventions in French?

Answer:

: Familiarize yourself with the specific changes introduced by the reform. This includes modifications to numbers, hyphenated words, plurals, diacritics, and certain verb conjugations.

Use Updated Resources

: Ensure that your dictionaries, textbooks, and other learning materials reflect the “Reform 1990” spelling. Many contemporary French language resources have incorporated these changes.

Practice Regularly

: Incorporate the new spelling rules into your daily writing. Practice by rewriting old texts with the updated spelling to get accustomed to the changes.

Stay Informed

: Follow discussions and updates from the Académie française and other linguistic authorities to stay informed about the acceptance and usage of the reformed spellings.

Seek Guidance

: If you’re taking French classes, consult with your teachers about the best ways to adopt the new spelling in your coursework and exams.

Be Patient

: Language reform takes time to be fully adopted by native speakers and learners alike. Don’t worry if you encounter both spellings; both are currently considered correct.

Remember, the goal of the “Reform 1990” was to simplify certain aspects of French spelling and make it more consistent. While not all changes have been universally adopted, being aware of them is beneficial for anyone learning or using the French language.