PSEUDO-ANGLICISMS AND SEMANTIC DIVERGENCE OF ENGLISH BORROWINGS IN MODERN FRENCH

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of pseudo-Anglicisms in contemporary French, with a particular focus on their semantic divergence from corresponding English lexemes. Pseudo-Anglicisms are borrowings that retain an English form yet acquire meanings in French that differ substantially from those in the source language. Unlike false Anglicisms, which have no direct counterpart in English, pseudo-Anglicisms exist in the donor language but function with a distinct semantic value in French. The article analyzes how these lexemes undergo processes of semantic shift, morphological adaptation, polysemy formation, and cultural integration within the recipient language. The study highlights the distinction between pseudo-Anglicisms and false Anglicisms, demonstrating its theoretical significance for the classification of English borrowings and the development of a nuanced theory of lexical borrowing. Moreover, the paper examines the diachronic evolution of these borrowings, showing how semantic broadening, narrowing, and derivational processes shape their contemporary usage in French. By situating pseudo-Anglicisms within the broader context of language contact and globalization, this research provides valuable insights into the dynamic interactions between English and French and the productive role of English-derived lexemes in enriching modern French vocabulary.