Can we say “You speak French well” to someone?
Picture from Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Want to start the conversation about inclusive language in your organization? URelles can help! Find out more about our training courses on various topics related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
****
Can we say “You speak French well” to someone?
What does it mean to speak “good French”? Often accompanied by the famous “you have an accent, where are you from?”, these interactions can make many people feel like foreigners, no matter how many years they’ve lived in Quebec.
“Us vs. Them”: the concept of the other
It’s important to understand that humans have a natural tendency to view the world through an “Us vs. Them” lens. This notion refers to the tendency to divide the world into categories which creates a distinction between people who are perceived as belonging to our group (“Us”) and those who are seen as external or different (“Them”). This division can be based on various criteria such as ethnic origin, nationality, religion, language, etc.
Take a phrase like “You’ve got an accent, where are you from?”, which is widely used in Quebec when someone wants to engage in light conversation. In a context of inclusive communication, this question excludes the recipient by categorizing him or her as a member of an out-group. These words suggest that the individual is perceived as an outsider, coming from somewhere else, or else the question wouldn’t be asked. With this phrase, we immediately categorize the person. By the same token, we decide on his or her identity, which could not be Quebecois.
Accent hierarchy and the French language
Language hierarchy occurs when certain ways of speaking are valued while others are devalued. This creates an implicit scale where certain accents or languages are considered superior. Conversely, others are perceived as inferior.
In many societies, accents associated with socially dominant groups or economically powerful regions are often considered “prestigious” or “correct”. Native speakers of these accents are then seen as an integral part of the linguistic norm. In France, for example, this refers to Parisian French. In Quebec, the Saguenay accent, Chiac and the panoply of accents from various regions other than the big cities are often perceived as “unusual”, even less “professional”.
Indeed, accents associated with minority groups can be stigmatized. Speakers of these accents may be subject to negative prejudice, and their linguistic and even professional skills may be called into question, creating a linguistic hierarchy. In an Ifop study (2020), 16% of French people were discriminated against in recruitment because of their accent. A Quebecker from Matane had to change career because his accent was considered too problematic to be a reporter on French television.
Accents are contextual!
Keep in mind that how we perceive accents depends on where we are. For example, a New Brunswick woman might sound like she has an accent to Quebecers, but not to New Brunswickers. Accents are like chameleons, changing color according to the setting in which they are observed!
The hierarchy of accents and language thus contributes to reinforcing linguistic barriers, creating divisions between native and non-native speakers, between accents and dialects considered “correct” and those deemed “incorrect”.
When prejudice takes over
The surprise that an immigrant can express themselves in “good French” reflects linguistic stereotypes or implicit prejudices that are deeply rooted in our society. Indeed, it reflects an expectation that immigrants are not expected to master the language of the host country and would naturally have difficulties with the language. Yet each individual is unique, and language skills should not be automatically linked to origin.
Let’s also remember that the French language is spoken fluently in many countries and communities around the world. What’s more, according to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration, over 60% of immigrants to Canada know French on admission. So why are we still so surprised?
In the final analysis, having an accent doesn’t necessarily mean anything. You can be born and raised in Quebec, and yet not have a very pronounced Quebec accent, simply because your family doesn’t have one. Should this then call into question our belonging to the Quebec identity?
Are there more appropriate alternatives?
When it comes to comments about a person’s accents or level of language, the answer is no. While some individuals may not be bothered or offended by such comments, the chances are high that they will cause more harm than good, despite the original intention.
We often hear that we just want to “get to know the other person” by asking questions about them and their background, often resulting in the famous “where are you from? This question is often a way of showing interest in the other person and sometimes even a compliment on the part of the person asking it, but we also need to understand the difference between our intention and how it may be perceived. Even if well-intentioned, this question can feel like a microaggression, especially if it becomes a habit reserved for certain people based on their appearance or origin. So it’s crucial to realize that these exchanges can be perceived differently from everyone’s perspective.
Do you ask this question of everyone you meet, including people who look like you? In general, the answer is no.
In conclusion
It’s important to take into account the context and relationship with the other person when asking about their personal background. For example, asking “Where are you from?” may be appropriate between close friends or in informal situations where there is already an established level of trust. However, in a professional setting or when meeting someone for the first time, this question may be perceived as intrusive or reductive.
If you’re curious about the person’s background, you could ask where or in what field they studied. You could also ask what languages they generally speak. These questions are valid for any individual, regardless of ethno-cultural background or mother tongue. They will enable the person to tell you more about their identity if they wish.
| Did you know that? According to a study relayed by Le Devoir, in Ontario, a racialized person with a foreign accent is “punitive”. In Quebec, however, a black person who speaks better French than a white person is seen as “surprising”. In this study, we learn that this surprise creates a favorable prejudice. A racialized expert with a Quebec accent scores highest in terms of credibility. |
Vous aimez les conversations sur le langage inclusif? Vous souhaitez créer des opportunités dans votre organisation? Nous offrons des formations sur les micro-agressions, sur les biais inconscients et sur la rédaction inclusive! Contactez-nous pour organiser une session!
- Equality vs. Equity: it’s not about discrimination, it’s about different needs! - 17 September 2024
- Case study: BAnQ - 28 August 2024
- Case study: À GO, on lit ! - 28 August 2024