| 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
|
|
This study explores the experiences, motivations, and barriers English-speaking individuals face in French language training in Québec, especially after Francisation Québec introduced new services in June 2023. It examines public perceptions that English speakers are not committed to learning French despite available training and develops a typology of language learners through interviews with individuals and experts. The study analyzes learners’ journeys, perceptions of French, and navigation of Québec’s labour market, discussing how these experiences impact outcomes. It concludes with recommendations for policies and programs to enhance adult French language training.
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.
|
