The French language has two different words for referring to owls – “hibou” and “chouette”. This is due to the fact that there are different types of owls found in France, and the words reflect those distinctions.
The Different Owl Species in France
There are around 10 owl species that can be found in France. The main species that have distinct French names are:
- Tawny Owl – Called “Chouette hulotte” in French. This is a medium-sized owl with brown feathers and dark eyes.
- Little Owl – Called “Chevêche d’Athéna” in French. A tiny owl with a round head and yellow eyes.
- Barn Owl – Called “Effraie des clochers” in French. A pale, ghostly-looking owl with a heart-shaped face.
- Eagle Owl – Called “Grand-duc d’Europe” in French. A very large owl with orange eyes and ear tufts.
- Snowy Owl – Called “Harfang des neiges” in French. An arctic owl with completely white plumage.
There are distinctions made between the larger owl species, like eagle owls and tawny owls, and the smaller owl species like little owls and screech owls. The larger species are referred to with the French word “hibou” while the smaller species use the word “chouette”.
The Origins of the Words “Hibou” and “Chouette”
The word “hibou” has its origins in the Latin word “bubo” which referred to an owl species. In Old French this became “hibou”. The word “chouette” has its roots in the Latin “būbō” meaning owl. Over time the old French word for owl “choue” evolved into “chouette”.
So while both French words for owl come from similar Latin origins, they diverged into a way to distinguish between large and small owl species found in France.
When Are the Different Words Used?
Generally, French speakers today will use the following distinctions for the two owl words:
- “Hibou” refers to large owl species with ear tufts like eagle owls, great gray owls, and long-eared owls.
- “Chouette” refers to small or medium-sized owls without ear tufts like barn owls, little owls, and tawny owls.
There are some exceptions where “hibou” may be used for smaller owl species in some regions, but most French speakers follow the conventions of hibou = large owl, chouette = small owl.
Are the Distinctions Used Outside France?
The distinction between “hibou” and “chouette” is common in standard French used in France. However, in other French-speaking regions and countries like Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and Africa the distinction is not necessarily made.
Outside of France, “hibou” is generally used as the generic word for any owl species regardless of size. The term “chouette” may still appear in writing or formal language, but in everyday speech most French speakers would just use “hibou” for all owls.
Examples of Use in Sentences
Here are some examples of how the two different owl words are used in French sentences:
- Le hibou grand-duc a de grandes aigrettes sur la tête. (The eagle owl has large ear tufts on its head.)
- J’ai entendu la chouette hulotte la nuit dernière. (I heard the tawny owl last night.)
- La petite chouette chevêche a de grands yeux jaunes. (The little owl has big yellow eyes.)
- Le hibou des marais est bien camouflé dans la végétation. (The short-eared owl is well camouflaged in the vegetation.)
Summary
To summarize, the two French words for owl reflect the different species found in France. “Hibou” refers to large, ear-tufted owls while “chouette” is for small or medium-sized owls without tufts. The distinction originated from the different Old French words for owl derived from Latin. While common in France, other French-speaking regions often use only “hibou” for all owls in informal speech.
The French language’s two owl terms provides specificity for different types of owls, similar to how Inuit languages have multiple words for snow. It highlights the close connection between language and culture.
Fun Facts about Owls in French Culture
Beyond the linguistic differences, owls have played various roles in French culture and folklore over the years:
- The owl is considered a symbol of wisdom, intellect, and knowledge in French legend going back to the Roman goddess Minerva who was associated with owls.
- Harry Potter’s pet owl in the French versions of the book is called “Hedwige” rather than Hedwig.
- French napoleon-era hats with wide brims were called “chouettes” because they resembled an owl with outstretched wings when viewed from above.
- Owls can be found in French gothic architecture, sometimes hidden amongst the ornate decorations of cathedrals and churches.
- The two- Euro coin minted in France features an owl on the reverse side as a symbol of wisdom.
It’s clear that beyond linguistics, owls have made their way into French culture through legends, literature, architecture, fashion, and art.
Conclusion
In the end, the presence of these two French words for owl – “hibou” and “chouette” – tell us about the close relationship between language and culture. Distinctions in vocabulary often reveal how important certain aspects of the natural world are in particular societies.
The French language’s owl terminology spotlights regional biodiversity by distinguishing between large and small species. It reflects a historic attention to detail regarding the natural fauna of France. So next time you hear a French speaker use these two unique words for owl, remember there is a deeper cultural context behind them!
