Are you in for a Canadian holiday getaway? We know you’re excited to pack your bag and leave for Quebec to reconnect with nature, but there are things you should know first and foremost, like the languages they speak in the province. 

Quebec is a Canadian province located in the northeastern part of the country. Being the only province in Canada where French is an official language, Quebec has a unique culture and history reflected in its language, which differs from the rest of Canada. 

In this article, we will discuss the history of the French language in Quebec, as well as the other languages spoken in the area.

History of the French Language in Quebec

The French language has a long and complex history in Quebec. The first French settlers arrived in the province in the early 17th century, and by the mid-18th century, French had become the dominant language in the region. 

However, the British took control of Quebec in 1763, and the French language was suppressed for many years. The British imposed laws that banned the use of French in public life, including in schools and the government.

The French language was eventually allowed to be used in public life again, but it was not until the 1960s that the Quebec government began actively promoting the use of French. In 1974, the province passed the Charter of the French Language, which made French the official language of Quebec and mandated its use in all public institutions.

Other Languages Spoken in Quebec

Aside from French, Quebec is home to many other languages spoken by different communities. Here are other languages that are commonly used in the province:

English

English is the second most spoken language in Quebec after French. English is the official language of Canada, so many people also speak it in Quebec. English is mainly used in the Montreal area, which is a highly multicultural city. English is also spoken in other areas of Quebec, including the Eastern Townships and the Outaouais region.

Arabic

Arabic is one of the fastest-growing languages in Quebec, with many immigrants from Arab countries settling in Quebec in recent years. Arabic is also spoken in other parts of Canada, including Ontario and Alberta.

Spanish

Spanish is spoken by a small number of people in Quebec. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world after Mandarin, and it is also one of the fastest-growing languages in Canada. 

Mandarin

Mandarin is spoken by a small number of people in Quebec.  Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over one billion speakers. With many immigrants from China settling in Quebec in recent years, you can find many Mandarin-speaking residents.

Italian

Italian is spoken by a significant number of people in Quebec, mainly in the Montreal area. Italian is one of the oldest and most widely spoken Romance languages and one of the most spoken languages in the world. 

Conclusion

If you don’t know how to speak French, that’s okay! English is widely spoken in the province and you won’t have a hard time communicating in the language. But if you speak any of the other languages we’ve mentioned aside from English and French, you can communicate with more people during your vacation.

And while you’re preparing for your grand vacay, check out WeChalet for exquisite and affordable cottages for rent near Quebec. We have over a thousand properties for rent throughout Canada, so you’ll surely find one close to your destination. Book a reservation now!