Why learning two varieties of the same

language is a good idea

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By Stephanie Glenister
06 November 2017 - 16:54
Which variety of French did you learn first?

My first experience of French was the language as it is spoken in France. The French
language component of my degree in French and Italian studies focused mainly on this
variation.

How were you exposed to other varieties of the language, and how did it affect your
learning?

My only first-hand experience of another variety of French has been via my current
position as an English language assistant for the British Council in Qubec. I am
constantly discovering new lexical threads stitching Qubecois into the rich tapestry that is
the French language. My favourite so far is the extra tu in conversational Qubecois that
can replace est-ce que in a question with no need for inversion (French: Est-ce que lon
peut jouer? Qubecois: On peut-tu jouer?). Its so much simpler and I almost feel as
though I fit in when I manage to use it correctly.

How have your own ideas about different language varieties changed over time?

My fascination with languages and their infinite varieties has grown more profound with
each new discovery. I felt ignorant for arriving after only a year of studying beginners
Italian. I didn't know how many interesting local dialects I would discover during my travels.

I felt similarly when I arrived in Qubec. Even with my degree in French, I had many
misunderstandings as I adjusted to my new life and its langue courante. But I prefer to
learn by experience. I am embracing each conversational slip-up as a new opportunity to
discover the differences between the language in Canada and France.

Is there a downside?

Initially, I felt my level of French was regressing as I struggled to understand the local
accent and make myself understood. However, I no longer see this as a real downside. It
feels more rewarding as I become increasingly able to sustain long conversations with the
Qubecois.