The politics of language: the impact of language legislation on French- and English-speaking citizens of Quebec

Abstract

This paper traces the history of French-English conflict in Quebec from the British conquest of New France in 1795 to the present. The long-lasting cultural and economic deprivation ofthe French resulted in a movementfor change with the development ofan urban intellectual-managerial class, and a growing sense of ethnic pride. This is intensified by the fear that the French language and culture will be overwhelmed by the predominantly English-speaking surrounding Community. Thepeaceful transference of economic power and language dominance from the English- to the Frenchspeaking Community was facilitated by the electoral power of the French Community. Of growing concern is the greater need for English-language proficiency in the French-speaking Community as Quebec industry enters the international marketplace.