As the world of language and grammar evolves, so does the way we use adjectives. One such evolution in the French language is the concept of “nouveau adjective agreement.” This agreement pertains to adjectives that describe a noun previously unknown or unfamiliar to the speaker or writer.
Traditionally, French adjectives agree with the gender and number of the noun they modify. For example, “un chat noir” (a black cat) and “une robe rouge” (a red dress) follow this rule. However, with nouveau adjective agreement, adjectives can now agree with the gender and number of the idea or concept represented by the noun.
For instance, let`s say you`re describing a new invention, such as a smartphone. The French word for smartphone is masculine (un smartphone), but because the concept of a smartphone is relatively new, some speakers and writers may use a feminine adjective to describe it. In this case, the adjective would agree with the idea of the smartphone rather than its grammatical gender. So, instead of saying “un smartphone moderne” (a modern smartphone), you could say “une smartphone moderne.”
Similarly, if you`re describing a new type of dish, such as a fusion cuisine that combines elements from two different culinary traditions, you could use a masculine adjective to describe it, even though “cuisine” is feminine. For example, instead of saying “une cuisine fusion originale” (an original fusion cuisine), you could say “un cuisine fusion original.”
It`s worth noting that not all French speakers and writers use nouveau adjective agreement. Some consider it grammatically incorrect or simply prefer not to use it. However, it has gained some traction in recent years, particularly in the world of marketing and advertising, where attention-grabbing and innovative language is often prized.
As a copy editor, it`s important to be aware of this evolving aspect of French grammar and to consider your audience and context when deciding whether to use nouveau adjective agreement. While it may not be appropriate for every piece of writing, it can be a useful tool for adding creativity and flair to your language.
