Comments on: I’m Tired Of Apologizing: on Being Anglo in Quebec

By: Nadine Benny

Nadine Benny — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:25:16 +0000

the students at UdeM recognized what many francophones speaking out about the madness that has come of the bouchard-taylor commission have recognized, and i think this represents a refreshing sense of empowerment. these francophones are just as proud as the next guy of their culture and language, but they recognize that our beautiful cultural mosaic is constantly growing and changing, and they embrace this while taking it upon THEMSELVES to preserve their native tongue, without resorting to draconian measures. vive les québécois libres!

By: sarah pearson

sarah pearson — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:50:00 +0000

“I think the point for many Québecois is that French is the official language - we are not a bilingual province.”

And the point for the many French-speaking Québecois defending the English language at U de M, was that the extensive measures taken to protect this official language are archaic. 101 was born out of a climate of fear, which was not inappropriate for the times - but the sense of the French-language’s vulnerability is still very strong. Fact is, the language laws have worked, and the French language is simply less under threat than it was in the sixties. In order for us to be a society of peaceful coexistence and enriching cultural exchange, we’ll have to let go of this culture of fear and start actually embracing our diversity like other great Canadian cities.

By: serahrama

serahrama — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:35:35 +0000

If 25% of the school’s population’s native language was Chinese maybe that argument would have a leg to stand on…

Quebec IS a bilingual province, I am tired of being told to “move back to Ontario” when my family and generations back of my family are anglo Montrealers.

Quebec is only going to suffer, and the province will coninue to lose some our best and brightest to less hostile cities.

By: Amos

Amos — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:04:33 +0000

I think the point for many Québecois is that French is the official language - we are not a bilingual province. If the newspaper starts publishing English articles, perhaps it should also start publishing Spanish and Chinese.

By: Risa Dickens

Risa Dickens — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:51:24 +0000

i think it’s possible that if there wasn’t such an air of guilt and punishment and apology around the languages here, and rather a more suitable vibe of celebration, we’d be significantly closer to a true bilingual community. after all- being bi is something to celebrate =P
seriously - we’re lucky to have the insight and wisdom of french culture, and the fact that anglos here are in a minority situation gives them a perspective that is unique in north america, and it’s one that, when allied with the French Quebec perspective might provide truly innovative ideas to the politics and culture that dominate this here continent of ours.

By: Half Anglo, half franco

Half Anglo, half franco — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:08:04 +0000

“We are a predominantly bilingual community, a diverse community, and our paper should reflect that.”
A bilingual community? I don’t think so.

How many times did I have to speak English in the Mile-End to make myself understood…
How many times did I learn that one of my friend from Hochelaga had trouble saying one sentence in English.

We are two solitudes presently and let’s face it.

My father is anglophone and my mother francophone.
My brother and I would have make Trudeau proud…

Unless, we don’t mix, we will never be a blingual community. I guess does university papers are a start.