English

Research Status: Intermediate Last Updated: 2026-02-12 Type: Language

Overview

Marie Bashkirtseff frequently code-switches to English in her diary, using it deliberately for specific emotional and social registers. This reflects her cosmopolitan education and social milieu in Nice and Paris where English-speaking visitors were common.

Functions of Code-Switching

Marie uses English for:

• Emotional intensity: English words for feelings and dramatic moments
• Sophistication markers: Fashion terms, social terminology
• Privacy/discretion: Sensitive matters she wanted less accessible
• Cultural affinity: Demonstrating cosmopolitan education
• Dialogue: Quoting English-speaking acquaintances
• Literary quotation: References to English literature

Common English Words in Marie's Diary

• "heart-broken", "bewilderment"
• "fashionable", "waterproof"
• "nonsenses", "flirtation"
• "shocking", "dreadful"

Usage Notes

• When Marie writes in English within a paragraph, tag it with #English
• If the paragraph also contains French (usual case), also tag with #French
• If a paragraph is entirely in English, only tag with #English (no #French)

Translator Notes

When Marie uses English, she is making a deliberate linguistic choice. Consider:

• Preserving the code-switch in translation (keeping English words)
• Adding translator notes explaining the significance
• The emotional register English carries for Marie

Related Languages

• [[FRENCH]] - primary language
• [[ITALIAN]] - another language she uses
• [[RUSSIAN]] - her native family language