What Language Do They Speak in Quebec?

Most of Canada is bilingual, with residents speaking both French and English. The Canadian province of Quebec is a French province. Until 1974, this province was bilingual as well. However, when Bill 101 passed in 1974, French become the official language. With this law, it became illegal to use any language other than French on public signs, in the places of business, and so forth.

Quebec's French heritage is a large part of what makes it unique and different from the rest of Canada. Residents of Quebec celebrate this heritage in a number of ways, including by making French the official language of the province. While government law dictates that French is the official language, many Quebec residents are bilingual.

If you are planning a trip to Quebec and are English-speaking, you likely will have very little difficulty communicating with native Quebec residents. With the majority of residents being bilingual, most are more than happy to help you make a translation or even to converse with you in English. In the main tourist venues, at hotels and popular tourist attractions, the staff is typically bilingual. In these areas, you may also find bilingual signs. Most restaurants can provide you with an English menu upon request. Even some of the media uses English.

If you know French as a second language yourself, you may find that you have difficulty speaking French to the residents of Quebec. While some of the words remain the same, much of the French language used is reminiscent of the older French language, a style that was used several centuries ago. While the French language in France and much of the world was evolved over time, in Quebec, the language has largely been preserved to what it was when the area was settled several centuries ago. Even some of the more common English words that have been adopted into the modern French language do not apply in Quebec, such as "le taxi" and "le snowboard." Instead, these words are translated literally into French-only words.

While both the spoken and written English can be found fairly easily in Quebec, it is important to take note that many residents of Quebec feel passionately about preserving their French culture, including use of the French language. Care and tact should be used on the matter of language in Quebec.

With so many residents of Quebec willing to speak English or to make an attempt to help you decipher the French language, there is no need to worry about not knowing the French language on your trip to the area. Although it may be helpful to learn the translations for a few key phrases before you go, such as, "Do you speak English?"