Both in the National Assembly and in the media, a lot has been said in recent days about allophones who attend English-speaking colleges and the possible extension of Bill 101 to college.
It goes without saying that it is important to ensure the sustainability and promotion of the French language in Quebec.
It is, however, rather heartbreaking that little concern is paid to important issues such as the quality of the French language – both written and spoken – or even the number of functional illiterates in our society.
The very legitimate concerns about the future of French in Quebec have instead crystallized around a few English-speaking colleges targeted as scapegoats. Let’s bring them to a halt and the question of French will be settled!
Many are saying loud and clear that Bill 101 must be applied at the college level. However, even the most ardent defenders of this idea generally recognize that the evidence is lacking to properly identify the real issues.
Why not qualify the analysis by looking more closely at the situation of newcomers, which is very different from that of allophones established in Quebec for generations? Why not try to better distinguish the question of the language of use from that of the mother tongue?
Does a lasting language transfer really take place in the language spoken at work or at home after two or three years of college studies in English? Likewise, there is a need to better understand the real reasons that prompt students to choose college studies in English.
Rigorous analyzes would be necessary before taking major legislative actions that risk affecting the future of thousands of students and the survival of certain institutions anchored in the cultural fabric of Montreal and Quebec.
Allow me, as a francophone who works in an anglophone college, to add my two cents, since the current debate gives way to impressions and perceptions.
What I see is that French has never been so flourishing in my English-speaking college. Our students often speak more than two languages, which is an asset for Quebec society.
A very large proportion of allophones in my college have such a good command of French that they take the same French courses as the francophones.
If it is necessary to impose a uniform test in French to certify it, so be it. If more needs to be done to promote French within our walls, so much the better. As long as the resources follow! If these measures are put forward in consultation with the college network, they will in fact be well received.
It is reductive, even insulting, for the large number of Francophones who work at Marianopolis College to see themselves singled out as being vectors of anglicization. Rather, we are dedicated to promoting the educational success and development of our students.
Contrary to what one might think, English-speaking colleges are well anchored in the reality of Quebec and are aware of linguistic issues. They are partners, not culprits.
And to reassure the reader, I still speak French, despite more than 25 years of work in an English-speaking college.
What do you think? Express your opinion