OCOL – Bridging Understanding Between Quebec’s French and English Speakers

Our case study with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL) reveals how to bridge understanding between English & French speakers.

Français

About The Project

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL) promotes linguistic duality and protects the rights of official language minority communities in Canada. Recently, the English-speaking communities of Quebec (ESCQ) have been at the centre of some public discourse and debate. Despite evidence that many Anglophones speak French and are engaged with French culture, myths and misconceptions to the contrary have persisted. Seeking to build on previous successful research with our team on official-language issues, OCOL turned to Environics Research to further explore and understand the perceptions and realities of the ESCQ. This case study highlights the approach, findings, and impact of this project, which aimed to inform strategic communications and policy recommendations by OCOL. The findings reveal that Francophones and Anglophones in Quebec appear to get along on an individual basis far better than media commentary and political discourse often suggest.

Zero waste oriented small local fruit and grocery store. Family business. Fruits and vegetables are organic and sold without wrapping. Unsold items are use to make juices, smoothies and take-out healthy food. Here the owner, posing for a portrait. Horizontal waist up outdoors shot.

Quebec Anglophones play a significant role in the province’s social fabric. However, myths and misconceptions about their linguistic and cultural isolation persist, despite many being bilingual and actively engaging with culture in French. These misconceptions contribute to concern among Francophones about the long-term survival of the French language in Quebec. Building on past insights, OCOL sought to clarify these perceptions and better understand the potential role of Quebec Anglophones in promoting French in Quebec and across Canada. This research provided an opportunity to bridge the gap between perceptions and realities, shedding light on the relationship between Quebec Anglophones and the French language, and helping to develop a more accurate and therefore constructive narrative about their socio-economic status, linguistic realities, and cultural engagement.

Goals

To shape their ongoing efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding, OCOL wanted to understand Anglophones’ relationship to French language and culture in Quebec. At the same time, they wanted to explore how these self-reported realities compared with Francophones’ perceptions of how Anglophones navigate linguistic life in Quebec. Specific goals of the research were to:

Explore how Francophone Quebecers’ perceptions of Anglophones in their province – and specifically Anglophones’ ability and willingness to speak French and engage with French culture. OCOL sought in part to gauge the prevalence of specific myths regarding Anglophones’ linguistic and cultural isolation.

Inform and update OCOL’s messaging, strategic communications, and policy recommendations. OCOL hypothesized that public attitudes in Quebec presented an opportunity to foster a more inclusive narrative about Anglophones’ contributions to bilingualism and to the promotion of French in Quebec and Canada. One goal of the research was to test this hypothesis.

Help to inform and nuance the perspectives of certain opinion leaders and target populations regarding Anglophones in Quebec, building on previous research findings.

Our Approach

1) Preliminary Research:

The initial phase involved OCOL conducting preliminary research, including analyzing the latest census data and previous survey data to establish the veracity of hypothesized myths about the ESCQ around socio-economic equality, the future of French, and social cohesion. These insights informed the design of both the qualitative research discussion guide and the quantitative research survey questionnaire, ensuring the key issues were addressed comprehensively.

2) Qualitative Data Collection:

In December 2023, Environics conducted six online focus groups, segmented by language preference (four with Francophones and two with Anglophones) and region (Greater Montreal/Gatineau and the rest of Quebec). Environics designed the discussion groups in close collaboration with OCOL research personnel, who attended as observers and advised between sessions. These discussions explored general attitudes towards Anglophones, reflections on personal interactions, and perceptions of bilingualism. Participants varied in age, education, and ethnic backgrounds, providing rich qualitative insights. The focus groups surfaced key themes and informed the design of the quantitative questionnaire.

3) Quantitative Data Collection:

In January 2024, Environics conducted a random-probability telephone survey with 1,005 adult residents of Quebec, including 885 francophones and 120 Anglophones. The survey was designed through close collaboration between Environics and OCOL research personnel. It aimed to capture a representative sample of the population, focusing on perceptions around bilingualism rates, cultural engagement, and attitudes towards linguistic duality. The goal was to understand how Francophones perceived Anglophones’ linguistic and cultural behaviours and inclinations, and to understand how each language group sees its interactions with the other. The findings provided a robust foundation for policy recommendations and highlighted areas where cross-cultural understanding could be enhanced.

Solution / Application Of Insights

Identifying Myths, Misconceptions, and Concerns

The research identified several persistent myths, such as the misconception that most Anglophone Quebecers do not speak French or are not interested in French-language culture. The data collected by the preliminary research revealed that many Anglophones are bilingual and regularly engage with French in their daily lives. The ensuing qualitative and quantitative research affirmed these findings, challenging the idea that Anglophones are not engaged with French language and culture. The research also found support for bilingualism among both Francophones and Anglophones; but while both groups support bilingualism, Francophones stand out in their fear that French may be lost.

Shaping Nuanced Messaging

The findings helped OCOL develop more nuanced messaging that highlights the contributions of Quebec Anglophones to Canada’s bilingual landscape. By showcasing positive personal interactions and the high level of bilingualism among Anglophones, OCOL can help to better address and dispel persistent myths. This informed approach allows for more effective communication strategies tailored to both Francophone and Anglophone audiences.

Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding

The research found broadly positive interactions between Francophones and Anglophones, and underscored the value of fostering even more positive relations between the two groups. To further enhance and enrich interactions and promote linguistic duality, the research suggested initiatives like youth exchange programs, social clubs, and cultural programs featuring influential spokespeople such as artists, educators, and community leaders. Encouraging such interactions can help build bridges and reduce misconceptions in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, promoting linguistic harmony.

Performance

The research confirmed that while myths about Quebec Anglophones persist, there is significant potential for improving relations through increased awareness of Anglophones’ engagement with French language and culture and positive interactions in daily life. OCOL now has a clearer understanding of perceptions of Quebec Anglophones’ bilingualism and is better equipped to advocate for policies that support greater cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect – among official-language communities in Quebec and across Canada.

Linguistic debates will inevitably continue in our society. However, Quebecers, both French-speaking and English-speaking, remind us that there is a foundation of goodwill, a way of living together that they express on a daily basis. That we continue to talk to each other justifies, I believe, a cautious optimism for the future of linguistic relations in Quebec and Canada. This, for me, is the crux of what my study confirms and what we should always remember as we face linguistic tensions in society.”

Raymond Théberge (July 2024)

Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada

About The Client

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages aims to ensure the equality of English and French in federal institutions. It supports the preservation and development of official language minority communities in Canada and advances the equality of English and French in Canadian society, considering the diversity of provincial and territorial language regimes. By promoting linguistic duality, OCOL contributes to a more inclusive and harmonious Canada. Through this research, OCOL sought to clarify and improve public understanding of Anglophones in Quebec, highlighting their significant bilingualism and contributions to the cultural and linguistic landscape of Quebec and Canada.

Building Bridges: Perceptions and realities about the English-speaking communities of Quebec

View Full Report

canada and quebec flags blowing in the wind

Derek Leebosh

VP – Corporate & Public Affairs

Reach out to learn more

Learn how our team of industry experts can support your business needs.

Tags:

Research

More Case Studies

Case Study

Research

le Commissariat – Bâtir des ponts entre les francophones et les anglophones du Québec

09/19/24

Derek Leebosh

Case Study

Research

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences – Autism Study

08/22/24

Ahsan Sadiq

Case Study

Segmentation

OCAD University – Shaping a mental health initiative

11/14/23

Vijay Wadhawan