A new Quebec publishing house will be launched next October, Le Robert Québec. Described as having French in Quebec as its “backbone,” the publisher aims to promote and share the local language through the works of local authors. Interforum Canada, distributor of more than 250 French-language publishing houses, is leading this new project.
“Even if the French and Quebecers share the same language, the language as it is spoken in Quebec is not quite the same, or perhaps quite different. Both in its construction and in its lexicon, but especially in its sociological, cultural and political issues,” Charles Bimbenet, general director of Le Robert publishing in France, initially states in order to explain the purpose of this new publishing house.
“The hypothesis we are making is that the language is different enough that it needs its own editorial treatment,” he adds. A hypothesis that seems to be bearing fruit. “The first contacts we had with the authors, and that we continue to have with the authors, are very good. The reception of this idea is very well received,” says Mr. Bimbenet.
Being French himself, it is essential for Charles Bimbenet to surround himself with Quebecers to produce works that highlight the language here. The works of Robert Québec will all be written and edited by Quebecers and printed in the province.
Even though Le Robert and Le Robert Québec share a name, the newcomer is indeed “a distinct house, which is dedicated to the French language spoken in Quebec.” “It’s a Quebec house, and not a French house,” reassures Charles Bimbenet. The mention of “Robert” was kept because “the brand is very recognized and very respected. It embodies French, it embodies seriousness and it is very established in Quebec,” he stipulates.
Your language! Joyful and festive manifesto will be the inaugural production of the publishing house and will be available starting next October. Directed by David Goudreault, the collective brings together different authors such as Michel Tremblay and Edith Butler. Through the voices of “ten lovers of the Quebec language,” the work will celebrate the French of the province.
It will be followed on October 25 by The chiller’s dictionary by Jérôme Charette-Pépin, better known by his stage name Jérôme 50. The dictionary aims to be a reference for understanding the language of young people in Quebec. Words like ” wesh ” And ” stife » will be honored there.
For Charles Bimbenet, it is important to clarify that the trends in non-fiction works from the beginning of Le Robert Québec are not indicative of the future of the publishing house. “We are in the process of signing a children’s author, a singer, a very beautiful essay by a collective of women,” he cites as examples. “There will be a lot of things. The idea is to show the diversity that is specific to Quebec,” illustrates the general director of Le Robert publishing.