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Why Canadian French is Different From Paris French

On July 3, 1608, a young descendant of a family of mariners by the name of Samuel de Champlain founded the city of Quebec. With that, the French language was established on the North American continent.

He brought with him, obviously, the French commonly spoken in France. As the years rolled on, the two versions of the language became quite distinct. People often think that the difference is similar to American vs. UK English, but Canadian French and Paris French are much more different that that.

When you start to learn Canadian French, you might be surprised by how much it really differs from Paris French, also known as Metropolitan French. The two languages developed in very different ways and for different reasons.

It will be fairly easy to recognize the influence of English when you learn Canadian French, but did you realize that Canadian French is actually much closer to Classic French as it was spoken before the French Revolution?

Major Changes

Two things happened that caused modern Continental French and Canadian French to be two very distinct beasts.

First, France ceded Canada to England in 1763. Because of this, the following era saw a greatly reduced amount of cultural and business contact between France and Canada. It also caused English to gain a much broader coverage throughout Canada.

But the main event that caused the modern difference had to do with the French Revolution, which took place between 1789 and 1799. Up until then, the French language was quite similar to the root-version of Canadian French. But when the revolution ended, the French of the Parisian bourgeoisie became the official language of the nation – a radical divergence from the previous format of the language.

French is a very adaptable language. It moves and grows and it develops along with its culture fluently. At the same time, French in France tends to be conservative, for want of a better word. I still remember marveling in school when I heard that a computer in French isn’t called ‘un computeur’ but ‘un ordenateur. As my teacher said at the time: “If the French can avoid importing a foreign word into their language, they darn well will.”

As such, both Canadian French and Paris French both evolved and developed in their own distinct ways. That’s why,  if you learn Canadian French, you’ll actually be speaking the language of kings and nobility. Well, with some English thrown into the mix, of course.

Why not have a go and see for yourself what Canadian French is like?

Click here to try our free Canadian French lesson today.

6 Comments
  • This site is such a great way to learn french

     
    Reply
    • Brent Van Arsdell
      Brent Van Arsdell

      Merci.

      Brent

       
      Reply
  • Avatar
    Pam

    The history you’ve recounted is interesting, but somewhat romantic “the language of kings”. Unless you plan to live in Quebec, it is better to learn a more international version of French. I am a native speaker of English who learned in France. While I live in New York City, very near Quebec, and like the people and place very much, but most francophone people think of the Canadian french there as quirky and outdated. Besides the influence of Jouale and the politics that support it will likely be confusing to most people.

     
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    • Avatar
      thomas

      Pam –

      Thanks for the input. I’m sure it will be valuable for those wondering about different flavors of French.

      Thomas

       
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  • Avatar
    leanne

    In response to Pam,

    Perhaps. I would be more inclined to believe that that may be the opinion of the minority. My husband, who grew up in Quebec, can converse, with 100% accuracy with those who have learned “international french”.

    As with any language, colloquialisms find their way into general conversation.

    I am absolutely immersing myself in this course. It’s wonderful and I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it!!

    100% happy!

    Bonne journee!

     
    Reply
    • Avatar
      thomas

      Leanne –

      Thanks for the generous compliments! It’s great to get positive feedback from our dedicated students!

      Thomas

       
      Reply
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