Work

French as a “Common Language” and the Recognition of Multiple Linguistic Sovereignties in Quebec

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Quebec sociopolitical context is currently characterized by two distinct political undertakings: on the one hand, a modernization of the Charter of the French Language , and on the other, a desire to establish a nation-to-nation relationship with the Indigenous peoples whose territory lies within Quebec. Although compatible in theory, these two projects are in tension in practice. This article thus proposes a critical analysis of the notion of a “common language” (“langue commune”) at the heart of Quebec’s language policies. This article argues that it relies on a conception of linguistic justice ill-suited for plurinational societies such as Quebec.

Source: Dialogue

DOI: 10.1017/s0012217325100887

Authors: Jérôme Gosselin-Tapp, Delphine T. Raymond, Frédérique Jean, Rémi Poiré

Institution: Université Laval

Language: English

Topic: Multilingual Education and Policy

Subfield: Linguistics and Language

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550

Funder: Université Laval