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Canadian French (French: français canadien, pronounced [fʁãsɛ kanadzjɛ̃]) is the French language as it is spoken in Canada. It includes multiple varieties, the most prominent of which is Québécois (Quebec French).
- 7,300,000 (2011 census)
- Pronunciation and accent. For me, this is the biggest difference. Every time I’m in Montréal, I have to rewire my brain and set it to “new language” to understand the locals.
- Vocabulary differences. Canadian French has some special nouns and verbs that distinguish it from European French. Here are some prominent vocabulary terms in Canadian French and their equivalents in European French
- Unique — and priceless — idioms. While France has some lovely expressions and slang, none of them can compete with Canadian French idioms. In fact, they’re so cool that many French people - myself included - have a hard time trying not to laugh, or at least smile when hearing them!
- Eating time vocabulary. Eating time vocabulary in Québec differs from that in France. It can be quite confusing! Le déjeuner (le petit-déjeuner in France) – breakfast–is eaten before midday.
- Canadian French Sounds More Archaic. The French began settling in Canada in the 16th and 17th centuries. But by the 18th century, the British had taken over.
- Canadian French Uses More Anglicisms. Canadian French may sound older in some ways, but it also uses more Anglicisms than standard French. Anglicisms are words and phrases taken from English.
- Canadian French Incorporates More Aboriginal Words. Another source of differences between Canadian French and European French is that Canadian French has much more vocabulary derived from First Nations languages.
- Grammatical Differences. Canadian French and European French also have some variations in grammar, both spoken and written. Here are just a few examples
- There are some special nouns and verbs. Here are some of the most prominent vocabulary terms used in Canadian French but not the French from France: Québécois French.
- The eating time vocabulary is different. Eating time vocabulary in Québec is quite different from that used in France: Québécois French. French in France.
- The accent is different, too. People say that the québécois accent is chantant (sing-songy) compared to other Francophone accents. Like any language, there’s no standard Canadian French accent, as every city and town has its own particular way of talking and unique slang.
- There are different pronunciations. Il. One characteristic of québécois French is the replacement of il (him or it) with the sound/letter y. It’s common to hear Y’est malade (he is sick) or maybe Y fait bon (it’s nice out).
- French of Québec and the Québec Diaspora. In the 17 century, French colonization in New France was limited to the valley of the St. Lawrence River and, to a lesser extent, those of its tributaries.
- Acadian French. The current Acadian population of Canada is descended from the inhabitants of Acadia who returned to Canada after the deportation or who escaped it by taking refuge in remote parts of the colony.
- Métis French. The francophone members of the Métis people are descendants of unions that took place between French colonists from the St. Lawrence valley and the Great Lakes region and Aboriginal women during the time of the fur trade in what were then called the Pays d’en haut (“upper country”).
- French Spoken in Western Canadian Communities Founded by Francophone Immigrants from Europe. In the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta,there are communities where francophones whose ancestors came from France, Belgium and Switzerland live together, in varying proportions, with francophones from the Québec diaspora.
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Jul 19, 2023 · Learn how Canadian French differs from Parisian French in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and culture. Find out which dialect is worth learning for your goals of traveling, working or living in Canada or France.
Jan 27, 2020 · Learn how Canadian French evolved differently from European French due to historical and cultural factors. Discover the pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary differences that make québécois unique and interesting.
