Multilingualism and the Decline of French in Quebec

Abstract

Using census data from 2001 to 2016, we provide evidence that the French language is gaining ground in Quebec. We show that the apparent decline of French in Quebec is linked to a rise in multilingualism, especially when French is one of the multiple languages spoken. We argue that the census statistics are distorted by inter-linguistic marriages and a rise in the proportion of individuals whose language at home is different from their language at work. The level of usage of the French language is therefore considerably underestimated.

Keywords: Linguistic Demography; Language Policy; Human Capital

JEL Classification: I26; J10