Variations Graphiques des Mots Composés Dans le Petit Larousse et le Petit Robert

Orthographic variations of compound words in le Petit Larousse and le Petit Robert. The analysis of the two most common French dictionaries — le Petit Larousse and le Petit Robert — brings into relief the orthographic instability of compound words. This study notes many disagreements between the two works, as well as a number of internal contradictions. Hesitation concerns mainly the use of the hyphen (audio-visuel or audiovisuel, fille-mère or fille mère) and plural marks (un corps de troupe/un corps de troupes, des essuie-glace/des essuie-glaces). Whatever may be the best way to correct such contradictions — admission of variants or normalization — it is urgent that dictionaries be coherent.