How useful/important is French in Montreal?
I'm going to be in Montreal for several weeks-months for work this fall. I don't speak a word of French. It's my understanding that Montreal is the primary anglophone enclave for Quebec and that English is widely spoken. I've also been told that once you get outside of the Montreal metro area, English fluency drops off considerably.
My concerns are twofold:
While I'm not concerned with people not speaking English in, say, bars and restaurants and convenience stores, I am a little worried about getting yelled at angrily in French while working in an outer suburb and not having any clue how to respond. (I work in public spaces, and drive a vehicle with a graphic wrap from my employer that attracts attention, both positive and negative). Alternately, I tend to like local dive bars and off the beaten track restaurants that might not be used to catering to travelers. Should I be concerned? I understand that the city proper will be fine, but I'm wondering just how far out from the city that advice remains useful.
Would it be useful for me to try to learn some rudimentary French before going? Would it make a difference? Or just be wasted effort. I do know enough to know that Parisian french is just different enough to be of reduced helpfulness.
Best Answer
To answer your question, it is useful but not that important. You are correct in saying that the majority of people in Montreal understand English. The majority also understand French too. You will also find that there are many people who live here which speak neither of these languages and have been in Montreal for a decade or more!
You should be prepared for some negative remarks if you work in a position where you have to interact with the public. This will happen when a customer who only speaks French asks for something from one who only speaks English. While this is certainly not a comfortable situation, it dissipates quickly, just stay calm and polite.
As for you being served, it will happen that people will not speak English and it seems more common in among cashiers and waiters the further east you go from downtown. Knowing a few words help but if they can tell you are not from here, you will get a break. Trying to speak French helps but, if you make too much effort, it can backfire and you may end-up with an English-speaker serving you in French because they think that is what you want to. I've been living in Montreal for 15 years and it still happens to me :)
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Is French necessary to work in Montreal?
Hope it helps. You can live in Montreal without speaking French however your employment options will be very limited. Montreal is a bilingual city (French-English) and most employers require their staff to be either bilingual or French speaking. Very few hire English only speakers.Why is French so important to Quebec?
According to the Charter of the French Language , French is the official language of Qu\xe9bec and its public institutions. French is the usual language of: work.Is knowing French useful in Canada?
You do not need to speak French to live in Canada, because most provinces have an English-speaking majority. But if you can speak French, it will open more doors for you socially and professionally. It will allow you to more fully embrace the beautiful multiculturalism of Canada.Do You Need FRENCH to live in MONTRÉAL?
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