The Soldier's Language Manual: English-French
Front cover
E. Marlborough & Co of 51 Old Bailey, London was a publisher that specialised in language phrase books in the early years of the 20th century. It used what it called a “Self-Taught Phonetic Pronunciation System” that “speedily removed any diffidence” in speaking a language and, “with a little attention”, allowed that language to be understood. Amongst other publications, it advertised self-taught Arabic and Esperanto.
Very early in the War, it published “The Soldier’s Language Manual: English – French” by “Ajax”, price 3d (£0.01, about £1.30 at 2014 prices). It provided lists of useful words and phrases covering greetings, needs, services, directions, money and military ranks, as well as The Lord’s Prayer (L’Oraison Dominicale). By the sixth edition, it also provided one and a half pages about wounds and medical assistance.
The English-French phrase book was advertised as “no.1” in a series. “No.2” was English-German.
Material kindly donated by J.M. Oakley
Very early in the War, it published “The Soldier’s Language Manual: English – French” by “Ajax”, price 3d (£0.01, about £1.30 at 2014 prices). It provided lists of useful words and phrases covering greetings, needs, services, directions, money and military ranks, as well as The Lord’s Prayer (L’Oraison Dominicale). By the sixth edition, it also provided one and a half pages about wounds and medical assistance.
The English-French phrase book was advertised as “no.1” in a series. “No.2” was English-German.
Material kindly donated by J.M. Oakley
