Is The Language Barrier a Problem in Quebec?
Mar 26th, 2012, 09:22 PM
#21
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je parles tres mauvais francaise. however on a drive from victoria to toronto, we stopped in wawa to see the giant goose. we were having lunch in a pub when an older women in the booth behind us said " je voudrais le moutarde si vous plais. my ability to speak une petite peu de francaise got us a round of beers from les anciennes! the prairies are spotted w/ french enclaves. as always even a bit of french is appreciated by francophes and my gain one some unexpected hospitality
AndrewDavid
AndrewDavid
Mar 31st, 2012, 02:33 PM
#22
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As a western Canadian Anglophone, some of these posts are just disturbing.
First of all, Canada is a bilingual country. All official government services, must, by law, be offered in French and English. Unfortunately, the demographics here do not make this logical. Virtually 90% of francophones live in Quebec. I live 1500 miles from Quebec and there are almost no French people in Alberta. So what are we supposed to do? Build french schools with no students? I took french in high school, and when I graduated, I could have carried on a conversation in French.But I never had the opportunity to use it, so have lost it. Unfortunately, that is just the way it is in Canada.
The situation in Quebec is much different. English on public signs is illegal. If I moved to Quebec to start a business, and put my sign up in my native tongue, I could be arrested.
In museums and public places, there is NO english on signs, even though it is well know that there are huge numbers of English speaking tourists and residents. There was more english on signs in France when I went there than there are in Quebec. Quebec has been threatening to separate from Canada for decades-and almost did it last time. What message does that give to the rest of Canada?
Anyway, having said all that I also know that it is a bunch of political BS, and I personally love Quebec and the french culture there. Individual people are warm and helpful, and Montreal is an example to the whole world of how multiculturalism (and not just French-English) can work and be integrated into an incredible society and city. Last time I was there with my wife and in-laws, we were having trouble with the tokens on the subway. A french man, around 30 years old, who barely spoke english, came over and showed us how to do it. He then asked us where we were going, and proceeded to escort us to the proper trains, and, in broken english told us where to go when we got to our destination, what to do there, and asked about our families and children. When we finally parted, he insisted on giving us his email so that we could text him if we had any more difficulties or got lost.
I am very very proud of Quebec and the french culture that is a part of my country, and we must do everything we can to stick together. As I read somewhere once: "if anyone ever asks you what is the difference between the culture and history of the US vs Canada, answer them in french".
First of all, Canada is a bilingual country. All official government services, must, by law, be offered in French and English. Unfortunately, the demographics here do not make this logical. Virtually 90% of francophones live in Quebec. I live 1500 miles from Quebec and there are almost no French people in Alberta. So what are we supposed to do? Build french schools with no students? I took french in high school, and when I graduated, I could have carried on a conversation in French.But I never had the opportunity to use it, so have lost it. Unfortunately, that is just the way it is in Canada.
The situation in Quebec is much different. English on public signs is illegal. If I moved to Quebec to start a business, and put my sign up in my native tongue, I could be arrested.
In museums and public places, there is NO english on signs, even though it is well know that there are huge numbers of English speaking tourists and residents. There was more english on signs in France when I went there than there are in Quebec. Quebec has been threatening to separate from Canada for decades-and almost did it last time. What message does that give to the rest of Canada?
Anyway, having said all that I also know that it is a bunch of political BS, and I personally love Quebec and the french culture there. Individual people are warm and helpful, and Montreal is an example to the whole world of how multiculturalism (and not just French-English) can work and be integrated into an incredible society and city. Last time I was there with my wife and in-laws, we were having trouble with the tokens on the subway. A french man, around 30 years old, who barely spoke english, came over and showed us how to do it. He then asked us where we were going, and proceeded to escort us to the proper trains, and, in broken english told us where to go when we got to our destination, what to do there, and asked about our families and children. When we finally parted, he insisted on giving us his email so that we could text him if we had any more difficulties or got lost.
I am very very proud of Quebec and the french culture that is a part of my country, and we must do everything we can to stick together. As I read somewhere once: "if anyone ever asks you what is the difference between the culture and history of the US vs Canada, answer them in french".
May 26th, 2012, 09:48 PM
#23
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@jimmoi, this is so interesting to me. This is the first thread I have read on this forum, and I am fascinated.
I am (so they tell me) perfectly bilingual after having lived for five years in France, so the language isn ot a barrier. I find it fascinating that the signs are only in French. Even in Brussels, they are in French and Flemish.
The more I read, the more I look forward to visiting.
I am (so they tell me) perfectly bilingual after having lived for five years in France, so the language isn ot a barrier. I find it fascinating that the signs are only in French. Even in Brussels, they are in French and Flemish.
The more I read, the more I look forward to visiting.
May 28th, 2012, 03:20 AM
#25
I was born and brought up in Montreal. Twenty years ago we decided to leave and move south.
Last week we were back in Montreal for an event.
On a different thread I posted my observations. I'll try to remember what I wrote.
There are very many pay phones on the streets. In fact, on one corner I saw them on diagonal corners. I don't know why as I never saw anybody using them.
Montreal appeared a lot more French speaking than I remember. However, the French-speaking population appeared to be a lot less militant and more friendly to English speaking people. In fact, the were very friendly.
Although it was probably my biggest expense, I found the street parking in Montreal very easy to use and convenient as it took my credit card. Conversely, the parking meters in Westmount took Canadian change only (my fault for not having Canadian change on a short visit) so not convenient.
No right turn on red (understandable) almost got me a few times.
Some street that went left to right now go right to left.
Sensible stop signs added and some even in the middle of a block. Also, a fair number (good) over the mountain near Beaver Lake and the Chalet.
Montreal is still beautiful especially when the weather is sunny and 80 (F) as we had it. Unfortunately, the season for that type of weather is too short.
I saw quite a few of those Telus bike stands but not that many people using them. How long has that been around and how successful is it?
Last week we were back in Montreal for an event.
On a different thread I posted my observations. I'll try to remember what I wrote.
There are very many pay phones on the streets. In fact, on one corner I saw them on diagonal corners. I don't know why as I never saw anybody using them.
Montreal appeared a lot more French speaking than I remember. However, the French-speaking population appeared to be a lot less militant and more friendly to English speaking people. In fact, the were very friendly.
Although it was probably my biggest expense, I found the street parking in Montreal very easy to use and convenient as it took my credit card. Conversely, the parking meters in Westmount took Canadian change only (my fault for not having Canadian change on a short visit) so not convenient.
No right turn on red (understandable) almost got me a few times.
Some street that went left to right now go right to left.
Sensible stop signs added and some even in the middle of a block. Also, a fair number (good) over the mountain near Beaver Lake and the Chalet.
Montreal is still beautiful especially when the weather is sunny and 80 (F) as we had it. Unfortunately, the season for that type of weather is too short.
I saw quite a few of those Telus bike stands but not that many people using them. How long has that been around and how successful is it?
May 28th, 2012, 09:28 PM
#26
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Quebec City - Perhaps (In the less tourist areas of course)
Montreal - Usually not a problem
Small Town - Usually a big language barrier
If you are just visiting Montreal or Quebec City, It will not be a problem. Just be friendly and polite and they will assist you in your language.
Montreal - Usually not a problem
Small Town - Usually a big language barrier
If you are just visiting Montreal or Quebec City, It will not be a problem. Just be friendly and polite and they will assist you in your language.
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