Caroline

My husband and I are cruising to Alaska from Vancouver in late August. We're spending a couple days in Vancouver first. We live in Mississippi and speak only english. Do most people in Vancouver speak only french, or will they understand english?

X

Yes, you will have tremendous difficulty in Vancouver as barely anyone speaks english. You really should consider just flying in the day of your cruise and leaving immediately afterwards to avoid any potential problems.

Lesley

Pleae ignore the previous (rude) poster. Assuming your question is legit, Vancouver is an English speaking city of about the same heritage originally as your home state, ethnically speaking and founded at about the same time. Today it is a vibrant, multhi-ethnic city with a population that mirrors the Pacific Rim but is overwhelmingly English. You will be fine and probably enjoy it greatly and broaden your horizons of Canada.

anne

Again, I'm assuming your question is legit and Author X is having a really bad day. It's worth the time to do some background research on any area you are visiting. Vancouver B.C. has a wealth of websites and a simple search will prepare you, and hopefully the questions you ask when you arrive will indicate some basic knowledge of Canada.

Daniel Williams

Caroline-- <BR> <BR>Honestly, not one person so far has answered your question correctly. The population of people that speak French (as their first language) in Vancouver is very, very small--considerably less than 1%. English will be widely understood in Vancouver, except in possibly at some stores in some of the more ethnically Chinese neighborhoods. <BR> <BR>Although possibly well-meaning, Lesley is incorrect (sorry to pick on you) about people in Vancouver and Mississippi having similar ethnic heritage. The Chinese community in Vancouver (very small in Mississippi) is estimated to make up a considerable portion of the population. Other East Asians, Indians (from India) and First Nations make up a significant element that is not nearly as prevalent in MIssissippi. <BR> <BR>Mississippi has a very significant proportion of African-Americans; there are far fewer blacks in the Vancouver demographic (I don't have numbers but I would say not more than 1 or 2%) than there are in the southern USA. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip. I've only heard good things about Vancouver. DAN

gary

Understanding that this is very difficult I too will refrain from making any rude &/or sarcastic comments to Caroline who I strongly suspect is trolling. Actually Lesley I just wanted to correct you when you said Vancouver dates from around the same period as Mississippi. Vancuver was founded about a quarter century after the US Civil War in which Mississippi was a major participant. Furthermore, other than the fact that the original, (voluntary), settlers were of European descent I really don't think we can draw a lot of common heritage between the two places. <BR> <BR>But I do congratulate you on your great tact and consideration in the interest of cross border harmony.

Disgusted

I have no doubt that Caroline is legit. She is typical of ignorant Americans that think the world revolves around them. In Canada or Mexico, a 4 year old would know what language is spoken in the United States, yet I would bet that 95% or more of Americans do not know who the Canadian Prime Minister is. <BR> <BR>So Caroline, we do speak English here. And, by the way, in case you were wondering we use different money here too.

Ross

Hello. <BR> <BR>I just wanted to say that not EVERY American is blind to what goes on in other countries. As an American who travels quite frequenty to other countries, INCLUDING CANADA, and speaks BOTH official languages of Canada FLUENTLY, I take offense to the RUDE remarks made by some regarding Americans' lack of knowledge when it comes to people fromn other countries, AS WELL AS MORONIC statements made by Americans regarding other countries AS WELL. Can't EVERYONE just try to be a little more understanding. P.S. Canada is a WONDERFUL country, as is its' people. <BR> <BR>Ross.

traveller

Thank you Ross. Disgusted is a poor example of how people feel here but there are always a few who like to "muddy the waters". <BR> <BR>Even tho this may be a troll, Canada is officially known as multi-lingual. Many people don't know where the "English ends and the French begins". So it could very well be a legitimate question. <BR> <BR>I appreciate the fact that so many people have responded kindly here.

Caroline

Wow, I never intended to cause WWIII. My question was well-intended, and although I feel a little foolish that I asked it, I do appreciate those who answered without insulting me or my country. I look forward to my visit to Vancouver.

gary

OK Caroline - so here's the thing. Obviously you got off to a bad start asking what we Canadians feel was an 'ignorant' question. But you're hardly the first - read the "funny things" post on this site and you may feel better. If you don't understand why they are funny then you definately should learn a little more about Canada & Vancuver before you come. <BR> <BR>I suggest you scroll through the posts about what we're like here. What to do on arriving at customs, etc. You'll find some help on do's and dont's. <BR> <BR>Some of our biggest peeves around Americans is the handling of Money. First - we are not a third world country lusting after the Yankee Dollah. Change your money into Canadian shortly after you arrive, (at a bank or currency exchange), - just as much as you think you'll need over and above your credit card purchases. You can also use ATM's. <BR> <BR>Never, never ask 'Is that price in US?' - trust me - if it was it would say so. Virtually all our prices are shown in Canadian Dollars - that's why it looks more expensive but actually it's probably cheaper than what you'd pay at home. <BR> <BR>Also do not expect snow or cold weather. Vancouver actually has winters that are longer but no colder than Mississippi and Palm trees grow here. In any event all of Canada has warm to hot summers although the area where you will be cruising can be quite damp and chilly even in August. <BR> <BR>Finally although our accent is different - we do speak english and if we don't understand you it's not because we're hard of hearing it's because we have a bit of trouble with you're accent. So talking louder won't help -talking slower and clearer will. <BR> <BR>Read up as much as you can Caroline. You'll enjoy your stay much more if you do and we'll respect you for it.

gary

Oops i meant 'a little humour' not 'funny things'.

Brian Kilgore

You'll be fine in English, although if you have a southern accent, people will know you are from far away. <BR> <BR>You'll see French on some government buildings, on the money (English is on the other side)and on almost all packaged goods, because federal law requires this. <BR> <BR>Hardly any parts of Canada are populated by people who only sepak French; most are in the proivince of Quebec, which is just north of Vermont and Maine, primarily. <BR> <BR>You'll find some French television to watch, but you'll also find most of your US favorites. teh Canadian versions of some US cable stations have a mix of US and special Canadian programs. Music video stations are different. <BR> <BR>Yesterday on ABC Nightline, there was a great piece on a Canadian comedy show's visit to the USA, asking quesitons about Canada. <BR> <BR>The answers showed just how much Americans do not know about your neighbor, but you can relax; some of the weirdest answers came from professors at Harvard and Princeton. <BR> <BR>In Vancouver you can see Canadian Indian totem poles and buy Canadian Indian art, plus there are lots of Indians living in the city. You won't see Eskimos, who are now called Inuit, though,unless some are in town as toruists or on business. <BR> <BR>As has been mentioned, you'll see a lot of Chinese, Japanese and other Asians, many who have come to Canada in the past few years, and many who have families that have lived here for generations. <BR> <BR>Canadians like to make fun of Americans who arrive in the summer with skis, but, in fact, it is possible in Vancouver in the spring and fall to go skiing and swimming on the same day. <BR>Enjoy your visit. <BR>BAK <BR>