Most Quebec anglos speak French fluently and could be an important bridge between francophones and the rest of Canada, according to a new study — if stereotypes can be overcome.
Old stereotypes about English-speaking Quebecers die hard these days, especially in light of renewed language tensions, negative political rhetoric and punitive government policies.
But on a personal level, the two solitudes tend to get along quite well, a new study by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada revealed.
Despite persistent myths about how little French Quebec anglophones speak or preconceived notions that English speakers rarely emerge from their bubble, the research underscores the potential for “les anglos” to be useful allies in the protection and promotion of French within Quebec and ambassadors of bilingualism in Canada.
That may well run counter to the prevailing narrative in Quebec, said Raymond Théberge, the federal official languages commissioner. But he said the findings should offer hope.
“People generally want to get along and they want to be able to live together in a very respectful environment,” Théberge said in an interview. “And I’m very optimistic because clearly people do get along and there are efforts being made by English-speaking communities to be part of the solution. And I think that has to be recognized.”
“Right now, it’s clear that we’re at a point where there are elevated concerns among both official language groups in our country. I want you to know that I share those concerns and that I’m listening to all of Canada’s official language communities,” he said at a launch event. “Francophones are concerned about the future of French in Quebec and in minority communities across Canada; anglophones throughout the country are concerned about access to French immersion; and the English-speaking communities of Quebec — your communities — are concerned about how provincial and national language policies that aim to protect French affect you and how you’re perceived.”
Anglophones may be a minority of 1.3 million strong in Quebec, but it’s French speakers — inside the province and outside — who are a minority in Canada and North America. But English-speaking Quebecers are often portrayed as part of the problem in discussions about French being under threat.
The study, conducted by Environics, involved polling about attitudes toward Quebec anglophones as well as focus-group sessions divided into linguistic groups in which participants discussed their perceptions and were confronted with data from other surveys that pierce some of the common myths.
One of the stereotypes that persist is that anglophones are more economically prosperous. In fact, the 2021 census revealed English-speaking Quebecers have a higher unemployment rate, lower median income and greater likelihood of falling into poverty than their French-speaking counterparts.
Francophones in the group sessions underestimated the linguistic abilities and bilingualism of anglophones. There is a misconception that many anglophones are unable to or won’t speak French. Rather, 92 per cent of English-speaking Quebecers have at least a basic understanding of French, according to a 2022 survey, and only two per cent reported no knowledge. As well, the last census showed the majority of anglophones — 71 per cent — are bilingual.
As for the misconception that English speakers don’t bother to speak French, most use French regularly outside the home, including 65 per cent in the workplace. And most children attending English schools are enrolled in immersion or bilingual programs. Meanwhile, almost a quarter of those eligible go to French school.
The widespread belief that most anglophones don’t mix outside their own community is also unfounded. Over 70 per cent interact regularly with francophones and just over half demonstrate an interest in French media, literature, music and culture.
The discussions revealed many paradoxes. Some francophones grumbled that they felt the onus was on them to switch to English to accommodate anglophones. However, English speakers complained about francophones responding in English even when they initiated conversations in French. Some anglophones noted a double standard in which francophones begrudge hearing or speaking English, yet give the impression the efforts of anglophones to speak French will never be good enough.
French speakers who were asked about their relationship with English-speaking Quebecers mentioned long-running language tensions, but reported cordial interactions on an individual level. It was a similar story for the anglophone participants.
“Despite this politicized context and some news stories fuelling discord, most anglophone participants tended to believe that English-speaking and French-speaking Quebecers should be able to get along reasonably well in everyday life. There was also optimism that younger anglophones and francophones are more bilingual and are building more bridges between the two communities,” the study says.
Francophones supported the notion of official bilingualism in Canada, but expressed doubt that English-speaking Canadians outside Quebec feel the same. However, they did acknowledge that English-speaking Quebecers are generally more aware of the importance of French as an official language.
There were two things that stood out for Théberge about the study. The first was how well anglophones and francophones say they get along, despite the polarizing political rhetoric. The other was the extent to which English-speaking Quebecers speak and use French on a daily basis.
“That is something that is not well understood by a majority of French-speaking Quebecers,” said Théberge. “There’s a significant minority who understand it, but the reality is the English community in Quebec is very bilingual. They not only use the (French) language at home — they use it at work, they participate in cultural activities. They are allies.
“That was a very positive finding for us. It sort of dissolves that myth that this is a community that is isolated, that does not participate fully in Quebec society. Au contraire. They’re very well integrated in Quebec society and they want that contribution to be recognized.”
Sharing this information could help counter the lingering assumptions that can undermine relations between the two solitudes, Théberge said. And the goodwill that exists between anglophones and francophones can be leveraged to strengthen French in Quebec and promote official bilingualism elsewhere in Canada.
Despite the hopeful portrait, Théberge cautioned there is a lot of work to do to break down biases.
“I’m not naive. It’s important to realize that this requires work and it has to be done intentionally,” he said. “So certain groups probably have it within their mandate and the capacity to create these situations, these forums where people can work together and exchange information. But I think politicians and policymakers have to be aware of the results of the study, and we are promoting it as best we can.”