Switch from French to English

I often hear people say that French is not in decline, that the government is at fault, and that this is the hallmark of modern languages. Coalition Avenir Québec is using this argument to slow down immigration, people say. In absolute terms, I believe French is declining, especially on the mainland. I will tell you why.

I work in a bar in Mile End so I meet a large part of the population of this area and even the nearby boroughs. From the outset, let me make it clear to you that the subject of this article is not the English-speaking citizens of Mile End. Quebecers, Swiss, French, Belgians, West Indies, or French-speakers from French-speaking Africa or any part of the world where French is the official language, frequenting or residing there. At Mile End, the use of the English language dominates; In fact, French speakers seem to be more receptive to learning and using English.

As a result, French is neglected by French speakers in this neighborhood. I will give you a few examples: although my interlocutor is French-speaking, I am often approached in English; When French speakers interact with allophones, they tend to use English (no doubt because they think English is easier to understand); Montrealers who are native speakers of French prefer to use English to communicate with each other, friends or family.

Although I am aware that many Montreal neighborhoods are characterized by this same movement, I am only commenting on Mile End. I don’t see all this wrong. Instead, I resign myself to this situation, this care, because what can I do?

The power of the French language is being lost in Montreal. English is very practical, very connected to the culture of social networks, cinema and popular music, the world of work, so it is very interesting to use this language to discuss mainly English-speaking culture. Also, increasingly influential.

Lasting French is now a passion. It provides a rare and archaic vocabulary that has not found its place today.

Perhaps I have high expectations for the future of our language?

It is true that I am studying for a BA in Literature at the University of Quebec in Montreal. French is important to me and I enjoy expressing myself in this language every day. But it is clear that French has lost its appeal. More and more French speakers decide to use English because it opens more doors, because it’s easier to shout in this language and refer to the English-speaking culture that abounds today.

Do whatever you want at this point. We are on the French branch, but know we are going on the English branch; We already have one foot in.

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