Editing Canadian English

Editors' Association of Canada
Review by Sotos Petrides

[Bookcover: Editing Canadian English] Editing Canadian English was written for editors, writers, teachers and others who work with words in Canada. The book was developed as a reference book and provides a systematic approach to creating a "Canadian Style".

The authors assert that with a language which has evolved with an English, French, and American influence, situations arise where an editor or writer may need to refer to Editing Canadian English to find the appropriate spelling, punctuation, or presentation method.

The first five chapters of Editing Canadian English address problem areas in Spelling, Compound Words, Hyphens, Capitalization, Abbreviations, Symbols, Punctuation, and also common words which have more than one spelling such as colour/color.

The second half of the book looks at the use of French in English context, avoiding gender and other bias in writing, measurements, documentation, editors and the law. The book also includes a glossary with a number of special interest items for Canadian editors.

Editing Canadian English is well written and layed out. The format is simple and easy to follow. The index and glossary are complete. The authors have thoroughly researched this subject and refer to many noted sources regularly in a clear and simple manner.

This book is useful and a worthwhile addition to any reference library which writes to a Canadian audience.