Did you know that if you speak French from France, it may be difficult for you to understand Canadian French? And vice versa? If you have some experience studying French, you probably know that not all French-speaking countries have the same type of French and that even the same language can vary significantly in the same country, depending on the region. But this happens not only with the French language. Surely as an English speaker, you will have noticed that your English and British English are usually very different. If we focus on the pronunciation, perhaps even you, a native speaker, have problems understanding everything 100%.
Now we are sure that you do not have to go to Great Britain to realize how varied the English language is. You will already know that English has a thousand variations within the Canadian territory. And well, the same happens between the French Canadian and the European French! In this article, you will learn some differences and recommendations to improve your French in the Great White North or European lands. But first, let's see how much you know about Canadian and European French!
Test yourself with these French expressions!
Are you ready to identify the meaning of the following French Canadian and European French expressions? Let's begin! —We recommend that you have a certain knowledge of the French language to succeed!
Quebecois expressions:
- "Partir sur une balloune"
- Leave on a balloon;
- Party hard;
- Go back to sleep.
- "J'ai mon voyage!"
- To show that you're done with a conversation;
- That you went into a trip;
- To show that you are going to travel.
- "Avoir l’estomac dans les talons"
- To show that you had eaten a lot;
- To have your stomach in your heels;
- To be starving.
- "C'est le fun!"
- To express something is fantastic;
- To say something is boring;
- To say something is annoying.
European French expressions:
- "Être dans la galère."
- To be in the galley;
- To get yourself into a mess;
- When something is not organized.
- "Mettre les points sur les i"
- To put the dots on the I;
- To make things clear;
- To express your emotions better.
- "Un coup de foudre"
- To be in love at first sight;
- To hate someone without knowing them;
- To be hit by a thunderbolt.
- "En avoir ras-le-bol"
- To have a whole bowl of something;
- To have had enough of a situation;
- Speak of someone behind their back.
Differences between Canadian and European French
Why are these two so different?! Please get to know some differences between Canadian and European French that make each of them unique and living languages.
- The pronunciation:
The pronunciation of both types of French is usually very different. On the one hand, Canadian French is much more conservative than the French of France, and this is because European French has evolved and changed over time. Canadian French was also impacted through the years, however, it preserved much more of the structure of the "Old French". This means the French Canadian is more similar to the one practiced in the 17th century in France than the one used in France today. But which are the pronunciation differences between both? Can you speak French Canadian in France? Let's get to know some of them:
- Words ending in -oir, such as the verb "avoir," are often pronounced "-oér." (it would sound like "le verbe avoér"). On the other hand, in European French, words ending in -oir, sound link "-arr."
- Sometimes the "e" sound at the end of a word becomes an a. For example, "Je ne suis pas parfait," where "ait" in French from France would be pronounced as "e" (it would sound like "parfe"); in Canadian Frech would sound like "parfa".
- The "è" in French Canadian is pronounced like a type of "aè." For example, in Canadian French, the word "mère" and "père" (mother and father) sound like "maère" et "paère."
- The vocabulary:
The vocabulary between the two types of French varies significantly in part due to the influence of English on Canadian French. Canadian French tends to incorporate many anglicisms, words from the English language used in another language. For example, the word car, "voiture" in European French, is called "char" in Canadian French. The word watermelon, named "pastèque" in European French, is called "melon d'eau" in Canadian French.
- The dialect and aboriginal influence:
It is also essential to consider a large number of French dialect variants in France (Burgundian, Champagne, Norman, etc.) and Canadian French (Brayon French, Akkadian, etc.), which are some causes of the differences between the two languages. We have to consider that Canadian French also included aboriginal words such as "carcajou," meaning wolverine, "atoca" for cranberry, and "micouène," which is a large wooden spoon.
Where to study French in Canada?
If you want to study the French language in Canada, you can do it mainly in the city of Montreal and the city of Quebec since these make up the most important French-speaking regions in Canada. Montreal is a practically bilingual city and Quebec is 100% francophone, so they could be great options if you are looking for a more immersive language experience. However, there are more options you can also consider:
- The Alliance Française Canada: This non-profit institution promotes the French language and culture worldwide and can be found in major Canadian cities. It is officially recognized by the French Embassy in Canada and its examination centers for internationally recognized tests and diplomas, such as the DELF and DALF. You can find workshops on grammar, phonetics, civilization, literature, conversation, writing, and cultural events.
- University of Ottawa: The university offers excellent programs for immersion in the French language. For example, the Intensive French Program (PIF). You can also combine your language goals with a university degree specializing in French as a Second Language (FLS).
- YMCA International Language School: This language school is located in Montreal. It offers French courses and accreditations from Languages Canada, Imagine Education in Canada and Emploi Québec. You can also prepare for language proficiency tests such as TOEIC and SIELE.
Where to study French in France?
Are you thinking about studying French in France? If so, prepare to brush up on your French language skills in the best places! Studying French in France will give you a complete immersion experience!
- The Alliance Française: It is also recognized in France to study French as a foreign language. They offer the possibility of learning through FLE (Français langue étrangère) programs, where you will improve your French skills surrounded by foreigners. A 100% recommended francophone experience.
- The CMA Paris: Another great place to practice French in the city of Paris is the CMA Paris (Cours d'Adultes de Paris). This is an initiative of the French government that offers a wide variety of French courses at all levels. You will also find preparation courses for the official certification exams, such as the DELF and DALF. You will no longer have any excuse not to improve in French!
- Sorbonne University: One of the most recognized research universities in Paris and the world, it offers a range of French courses for international students interested in pursuing a degree, an exchange program, or a research program. The Sorbonne university offers great intensive short courses, semestrial courses, and FLE (Français langue étrangère) certifications.
How to Speak French With Confidence?
If you want to start your path towards Francophonie, perhaps having the proper support can make a big difference. Learning any language is usually complex, and you must be aware of all the time and effort you invest to succeed. Maybe with a private tutor, your learning path will be easier. Learn French in the best way with a Superprof private teacher!
With Superprof, learning French will always be much easier since our private tutoring offers the most personalized services so that you excel in the language of love. Whether you want to study French in Canada or cross the Atlantic to French lands, Superprof can give you a hand to feel much more prepared to start your magical journey to knowledge. And, you can find the best private French tutors through our online platform and choose the one closest to you and the friendliest to your pocket. There is only one life! Fais-le au plus sacrant!
Bienvenue dans la famille Superprof!
Ready to learn some similarities between both French Canadian and French from France? Don't miss it!
Test yourself: Do you want to know the correct answers?
Quebecois expressions:
- "Partir sur une balloune"; this expression means to party hard.
- "J'ai mon voyage!"; this expression shows you're done with a conversation.
- "Avoir l’estomac dans les talons"; this expression is used when you are starving.
- "C'est le fun!"; this expression is used to express something fantastic.
European French expressions:
- "Être dans la galère." This expression is used when you get yourself into a mess.
- "Mettre les points sur les i"; This expression is used to make things clear.
- "Un coup de foudre"; is used to express being in love at first sight.
- "En avoir ras-le-bol"; is used to having had enough of a situation.
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