It is fashionable in well-meaning circles to question the decline of French and the anglicization of greater Montreal. It would be the obsession of some disturbing nationalists with whom it is better not to associate. One always finds a figure taken separately which would raise a doubt on the deep nature of the phenomenon.
The angliciso-skeptic is therefore a skeptic who refuses to believe in the anglicization taking place in Quebec. However, in other matters, health, climate, inequalities, the Angliciso-skeptic calls himself science. But it resists the avalanche of conclusive data showing the decline of French.
The angliciso-skeptic enjoys an advantage. He is not ostracized from society. He will be allowed to write in the prestigious pages and to express himself in fine forums. This voice will be seen as inclusive, carrying a message of openness and generosity. Imposing French, like secularism, is suspect.
The Angliciso-skeptic advocates diversity. This seems incompatible with Quebec nationalism. It’s curious how things turn out. A generation ago, the same people would have campaigned for cultural diversity. They would have fought to prevent American culture in the English language from crushing everything.
At that time, the survival of French in America represented a bulwark against standardization. In 2023, the diversity obsession has been pushed into English. So if just diversity kills linguistic diversity, so be it.
- Listen to Mario Dumont’s show, every day from 3:30 p.m., via QUB-radio :
New report
The new French Language Commissioner published his first report this week. Impressive indeed for an organization that has existed for only a few months. The numbers are still implacable.
French is declining as the language spoken at home, mother tongue, working language, language of everyday use. Whichever data you choose to look at, French is falling behind.
Some argue that there are more people today who are able to speak French. That may be the only good news. Pay attention to interpretation. Growth comes from people who have the ability to speak French when required. But on a daily basis, they live in English.
Immigration
We also often hear that it would be unfair to place the burden of the future of French on newcomers. It is obvious. The newcomer tries to rebuild his life in a new country. He is in Canada where the language is English. He is in Quebec where the language is French. He settles in Montreal and hears English spoken… He can’t take any blame personally.
But collectively, we must question our immigration policies. The figures are clear: immigration has contributed and continues to contribute to anglicizing Quebec. A quarter of newcomers integrate into English. Another 16% integrate into “bilingual”.
- Don’t miss Mario Dumont’s show, every day from 3:30 p.m., via QUB-radio :
New policies must quickly turn the liner around. The hour is critical because in Montreal, it is below the 50% mark that we will pass. There is a point of no return, no offense to the skeptics.