WHAT IS QUEBEC FRENCH? | Québécois 101

What, exactly, is Quebec French? This video explains the major differences between Quebec French and Standard French, its many variants, and its relation to Canadian French.

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Video contents:
00:00 Intro
01:14 Language registers
02:25 Bad French?
03:02 Old French?
03:40 Quiz
04:08 Major differences
05:44 Quebec French variants
07:24 Quebec and Canadian French
08:58 Conclusion

Content and presentation: Hélène Cormier
Direction and editing: Daniel Roy

#comprehensibleinput #quebecfrench #canadianfrench

"Québécois 101" videos help you learn Quebec French and Canadian French through fun, easy-to-understand explanations. All videos feature subtitles in French and English.

What is Quebec French, exactly? What distinguishes it from Standard French? It's important to note, first, that Quebec French is an informal language register: Quebecers use Standard French in formal contexts or in writing, while Quebec French is the language of everyday life. Quebec French is neither an improper form of French, nor is it archaic French.

There are three big differences between Quebec French and Standard French: accent, grammar or syntax, and vocabulary. But there are many forms of Quebec French! Quebec French varies according to region (such as Montreal, Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean, Abitibi, and îles de la Madeleine), age, and socioeconomic context. French is also spoken across Canada, such as in Ontario, Acadie, Alberta, and even Nunavut.

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[linnell]

I watched this again this morning, and it's terrific, certainly the best introduction to Quebec French than I have seen online! Thanks, Helene, for more comprehensible content that is fascinating and instructive! Been waiting for this for a long time!

[stuartV]

I was almost crying when I watched this video. Finally someone is teaching Quebec French from an academic perspective. The Quebec government does not admit that there is a "Quebec Accent". As a result, they spend tax payers' money to teach standard French to immigrants, but when these immigrants go out and talk to real Quebeckers, they still can't communicate with them. Please go on making these amazing videos. You will help a lot of people!

[greatpariscars]

I'm an anglophone who spent 25 years living in Paris, France. I learned French at the Sorbonne but out on the street I could hardly understand anyone. For example, I kept hearing "chez pas" all the time but had no idea what it meant until one day it finally clicked: "chez pas" was the contraction of "je ne sais pas." So "standard" French is not spoken in familiar settings. It was only when I spent six years getting my doctorate at the Sorbonne that I actually heard "standard" French being spoken in classrooms and lecture halls. Out on the street? Fuggitaboutit.

[fn]

Quebecois sounds like if someone tried to speak French the way its actually written, love it!

[megt]

My father was born and raised in a small town just outside Montreal. All my life I wanted to learn and become fluent, but he didn’t teach me. I tried to learn from teachers, but that isn’t the same. Unfortunately my grandparents died before they could. Going to reunions felt awkward, I wished I could speak to them without any issue. Ive spent my whole life thus far, off and on learning the language. I really appreciate this video and channel.

[twilisht]

OMG Finally I found a great channel that teaches REAL Québécois French. I love how beautifully your videos are made and you definitely deserve more subscribers!! Thank you Helene!!

[luistexis]

Bonjour !
Je viens de tomber sur votre chaîne et à vrai dire, je l'ai bien aimée. Merci de faire rayonner la francophonie des Amériques !
Bisous d'un mexicain qui est amoureux du Québec.

[tiffanycherie]

Merci Enormement pour tes videos. C’est tres interressant et facile a comprendre. Moi, Je viens d’Etats Unis, mais ma famille a coté de ma mere viens de la belle Gaspesie. Je suis marié avec un francophone Québécois et on as Huit enfants ensemble. Parce que Je reste chez nous avec nos enfants, j’ai mois l’occasion practiquer francaise dupuis le commencement de COVID. Merci Merci pour votre bon travail.

[joseeduardo]

It is just what I need right now. I'm learning French Quebecois, and your new initiative is marvelous it will be helpful, go ahead creating this content, successes.

[stefantutuianu]

Un vidéo superb pour éduquer ma culture. En tant que personne éduqué dans l'èsprit francophone en Europe de l'Est depuis l'âge de 3 ans c'est un exercice extraordinaire d'écouter le vidéo. Ma grande passion pour le Québéc, je me sens presque fier et dans une famille avec l'esprit québécois, un héritage culturel impressionnant, que le Dieu bénisse le Québéc, Vive le Québéc! La langue est une partie de l'âme, le rest c'est la politique.
Gens du pays, c'est votre tour
de vous laisser parler d'amour:)🇲🇶

[moniquelemaire]

My father was born in Fall River Massachusetts. He spoke "Quebecois" all his life. When he was growing up he fid learn English because he had to!!
My Mother was born in Augusta, Maine. Her family came from France to the state of Maine. Therefore, he French pronunciation was more Parisian. Also, my Father's family came from France to a little village north of Ste. Anne de Beaupre.
So, when I was growing up Mom and Dad always were correcting each other on pronunciation. After awhile, they gave up correcting each other. It was an education just listening to them.
I understood a lot of the language, but was never really was fluent.
Now, I don't have any one to speak French with. Quel domage.
I enjoy your channel tremendously. I do remember making most of the French Canadian food, 🤤.
Although, I don't think you have made salmon pie yet??
A Bientot, for now!!
God bless you and your family
Miss Monique 🙂🙏🌷💗

[korantan]

Je suis tombé par hasard sur votre chaine, je suis incroyablement surpris par la radio du Nunavut, je n'aurais jamais imaginé qu'on puisse parler le français là-bas, l'anglais me semblait logique, mais agréablement surpris que le français ai aussi des locuteurs dans une région si isolée!

[coolcatb]

Je suis une Québécoise de naissance, ai grandi sur la Côte-Nord, et j'ai parlé québécois toute ma vie. J'ai néanmoins eu beaucoup de plaisir à regarder votre vidéo. Vos étudiants sont très chanceux de vous avoir comme professeur. 😊

P.S. Merci pour la blague, je ne la connaissais pas !

[johnfrustrante]

c'est perfect j'adore ca i'm learning french saludation du paraguay

[EmMysteryVlogs]

Vous êtes adorable !! :) Merci pour ce super vidéo. En tant que Québécoise, j'approuve à 100%, très éducatif et bien structuré. Je vous remercie !

[AprilJordan]

This is so good! Been looking for a channel that teaches Quebec French 🙏🏻

[manuelalisabois]

J'habite dans le Poitou Charentes (ouest de la France) et on dit "Barrer la porte" nous aussi 😂😂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[bdevlinvintage]

Thank you for these videos! I live on the NY Canada border and had an unexpected recent overnight in Quebec City- what a gorgeous place! People were kind and spoke English to us but I want to be able to communicate in French next time!!

[katesemple]

J'habite au Nouveau Brunswick ça fait 1.5 ans et je trouve dans ma région on utilise beaucoup de mots/expressions québécois. Mais c'est vraiment difficile à l'apprendre à cause que il n'existe presque pas de ressources. Merci pour votre travail, j'apprends beaucoup de vos vidéos!

[abliardo]

Je suis tellement enchantée de trouver votre channel. Je l'adore déjà, après seulement une vidéo. Merci! J'ai hâte d'étudier en regardant vos vidéos.