Beyoncé’s name is set to make its mark in French history as she joins a select group of 40 individuals to be included in the Larousse dictionary, reports The Times and France 24. The 42-year-old ‘Break My Soul’ singer’s Louisiana Creole heritage is highlighted in her entry, listed as a proper noun with the description “American singer of R&B and pop.”
This prestigious inclusion is part of the 2024 update of the encyclopedic dictionary Petit Larousse Illustré, first published in 1905. The selection process involves a jury annually compiling a list of 150 words and personalities recognized within French-speaking communities. Over 150 new words have been added this year, reflecting contemporary concerns and developments.
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Carine Girac-Marinier, Larousse’s head of dictionaries and encyclopedias, emphasized the importance of individuals reflecting the values of excellence and the promotion of French culture. Among the notable names joining Beyoncé in the update are actress Cate Blanchett, NBA player LeBron James, and film director Christopher Nolan.
Interestingly, Beyoncé’s surname was originally spelt “Beyincé,” derived from her maternal grandparents. However, a hospital misspelt her mother Tina Knowles’ maiden name as “Beyoncé” on her birth certificate and refused to correct it.
Knowles recalled the incident in an episode of ‘In My Head with Heather Thomson’ in 2020, highlighting the racial disparities of the time and the significance of obtaining a birth certificate for Black individuals.
– Farheen Ali