July 7, 2005: Issue 96
The area of France is Provence (no cedilla—that’s the little mark under the c). Things that come from or pertain to that area are Provençal (now you use the cedilla). The difference has to do with French pronunciation rules.
And don’t confuse Provençal with provincial. The latter means simple or informal.
IN THE STYLEBOOK: For more information on handling foreign words—including how to make the cedilla and other diacritical marks—see the Foreign Words section.
Back to Style on the Go Archive
Back to BHG Stylebook Table of Contents