In key areas such as work, education, commerce, and especially culture, the retreat of the French language sounds the alarm for the province’s francophone future. This decline affects not only the transmission of Quebecois identity but also Quebec’s place in a world where English has become the dominant language.
A General Decline of French in Quebec Society
Since the early 2000s, French has been receding in all sectors of social life. According to the Rapport sur l’évolution linguistique au Québec published by the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) in 2024, the proportion of Quebecers who primarily speak French at home dropped from 81% in 2016 to 79% in 2021, and the trend seems to be accelerating. The Montreal region, the cultural and economic heart of the province, is particularly affected: only 51% of Montreal Island residents primarily speak French at home, a decrease of 2.6 points over five years.
This decline is not limited to households. At work, the share of Quebecers using primarily French has fallen by 11% since 1997, according to the Analyse de la situation du français au Québec au Québec from the French Language Commissioner. In sectors dominated by international relations and technology, such as finance and professional services, French is often relegated to a secondary role. In these industries, the daily use of French has dropped by 10 to 15 points since the early 2000s.
Culture: A Pillar at Risk
The decline of French in culture is perhaps one of the most alarming signs of the language’s erosion, as culture represents the very soul of Quebecois identity. Consumption of Francophone culture—whether in music, film, or literature—is in constant decline. According to the latest OQLF data, the proportion of Quebecers who primarily consume culture in French has dropped by 8% since the early 2000s. In fields such as music and video games, Quebec audiences are increasingly turning to English-language content.
It is now possible for a young Quebecer to grow up without ever being exposed to Quebecois cultural works. This is not merely an issue of consumption but also of transmission. Quebecois culture—with its values, humor, references, and stories—risks disappearing from collective consciousness, especially among younger generations, if nothing is done to reverse this trend.
We are currently experiencing an unprecedented shift in which the ability to speak French no longer automatically translates to its use as a language of culture, work, or daily life. Indeed, a large portion of people who prefer to work, consume culture, and live in English have a command of French, even if they are not Francophones. This directly impacts the vitality of the language, gradually reducing its appeal. As Commissioner Dubreuil notes, more and more young people are growing up without any connection to Quebecois culture, which naturally makes them less attached to the French language. This detachment reduces their inclination to use, protect, and promote French, thus endangering its longevity.
The bronze bust of Camille Laurin, father of Law 101 – often considered one of the foundations of modern Quebec – near the building of the Office québécois de la langue française.
Why Is This Situation So Concerning?
Language is not merely a means of communication; it is a vessel of collective identity. In the Quebec context, French is a heritage that connects generations and embodies resilience in the face of a dominant English-speaking environment in North America. The decline of French in culture is particularly troubling because it represents a loss of cultural markers for young Quebecers. Culture is not merely entertainment; it is the foundation upon which a distinct identity, a sense of belonging, and a unique solidarity are built. As the language shifts from being a cultural vector and power marker of identity to a simple communication tool, the utility of that tool becomes the most important aspect to consider in the affront between English and French. In the North American context, where French speakers are but a very small minority, English is far and away the more useful language.
Consumption of English-language cultural content in Quebec is further fueled by streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, which predominantly favor English-language content. Quebecois artists struggle to gain visibility in a digital environment that favors mass English production. Data shows that in 2022, the first year for which these figures are available, only 8.6% of Spotify listens by Quebec users involved recordings in French. As for album sales, the situation is hardly better: the Francophone share dropped from 33% in 2017 to 23% in 2021. We are witnessing a true collapse of Francophone culture in Quebec.
Proportion of people practicing various cultural activities most often in French, by age group, Quebec, 2023.
An Uncertain Future, But a Necessary Fight
The decline of French in Quebec is much more than a simple linguistic shift. It threatens the very essence of Quebecois culture and identity, the repercussions of which will be felt by the entire North American francophonie. Preserving French, and by extension Francophone culture, is imperative to maintaining cultural diversity in a predominantly English-speaking North America.
Quebec is therefore at a crossroads in its history. Strengthening the French language is a collective struggle that requires commitment from citizens, businesses, and the government. The challenges are immense, but the importance of this fight is immeasurable. A new report will soon be published, outlining recommended measures to reverse the current trend. It is hoped that the government will have the political courage necessary to implement them.
