User journeys of language learners navigating Québec’s French language training ecosystem

2024 - 12 - 4

Authors

Executive Summary

Cimminnee Holt, Policy Researcher, Provincial Employment Roundtable

Sithandazile Kuzviwanza, Director, Policy and Research, Provincial Employment Roundtable

Morgan Gagnon, Interim Director, Policy and Research, Provincial Employment Roundtable

In recent years, the Québec government has significantly invested in French language training programs to promote greater usage of French in workplaces, schools, and society. Alongside these efforts, public discourse has emerged about the perceptions French-speaking Quebecers hold of English speakers, many of whom believe that English speakers are not committed to learning or using French despite the availability of publicly funded French language training resources.

This study examines the experiences, motivations, and barriers faced by English-speaking individuals in the labour force regarding French language training, particularly following the introduction of new services by Francisation Québec in June 2023. In doing so, we develop a broad typology of different language learners and explore their language-learning journey through interviews regarding their experiences and perceptions of the French language, language training, and navigating Québec’s labour market. We also interview subject matter experts to identify types of language learners and key themes. We then discuss the impact that these different experiences have on language learners’ outcomes, as well as the types of policy and program approaches that could improve their experiences with adult French language training programs.

Key Findings:

We identify three key types of English-speaking students in the French language training ecosystem: interprovincial migrants, international students, and Québec-born English speakers.
Participants in French language programs expressed a strong desire to engage with Québécois culture as a primary motivation to learn French, particularly those who are interprovincial migrants and international students.
Participants also indicated that participating in French language training could help facilitate their social and cultural integration in the province.
Many said they felt they needed to study French to get a job.
Some participants described how they experienced heightened anxiety when interacting with native speakers and this had negatively impacted their motivation to learn French.
All groups expressed concerns about the challenges of accessing courses or facing hurdles to be eligible to take classes. Most participants and experts reported that finding information, determining eligibility, and accessing courses and materials for French language training was often confusing.
Some participants were unaware of Francisation Québec and the free French language courses offered to Québec residents. Among those who were aware of Francisation Québec’s courses, they said they faced challenges with accessing and signing up for courses in their region.
There is a need for more promotion of French language training programs, both online and offline, as well as in community and educational spaces.
Learners expressed a need for profession-relevant language training given the challenges they faced in the labour market due to French language barriers. Some participants also faced challenges completing French language training while in school or working, highlighting the importance of on-the-job language training.