Contrastive grammar in the Renaissance

Abstract This paper focuses on how Jean Pillot, author of the most popular French grammar sixteenth century in terms editions, took efforts to contrast his native language with Greek. His Gallicæ linguæ institutio (1550/1561), although written Latin, contains numerous passages where Pillot subtly confronted Greek, surveyed Section 2 , order give audience educated German speakers a clearer view idiosyncrasies French. In 3 I analyze why he preferred Greek other languages knew quite number cases, arguing that this subtle contrastive endeavor bore an indirect pedagogical and ideological load. 4 discusses terminological means used confront French, their origins. 5 frame Pillot’s appropriation long history studies, special reference pivotal role sixteenth-century linguistic analysis.