Presence of English in Quebec's French-language universities not as dominant as previously thought: CSLF study
A study on the presence of English in Quebec's French-language universities shows most programs are actually offered exclusively in French, the Conseil supérieur de la langue française (CSLF) found.
The council looked at the amount of English training offered at Quebec's 15 French-language universities and discovered that nearly nine out of ten programs were entirely in French.
Of the 2,713 programs identified in the study, more than 88.5 per cent offered training exclusively in French, meaning just 11.5 per cent offered an English component.
The report, released Thursday, looked at the possible presence of English in various ways, including assignments, required readings, examinations, course outlines, course materials, seminars and theses.
Nevertheless, the council laments the fact that English plays an important role when it comes to academic research and scholarly publications.
Last month, a study conducted with Acfas, an association that promotes research and innovation in the French-speaking world, reported there is a lack of support and recognition, heavier administration and teaching duties, as well as difficulties in organizing scientific events in French.
The study notes there is a pressure to publish in English and denounces the increasing use of English for grant applications and the disadvantage, in some cases, when applications are submitted in French.
The authors of the CSLF study point out there is a trend in many western countries where English is not the national language to offer bilingual training, resulting in its dominance in the economic, social and cultural worlds.
The CSLF admits that the use of English in the province's French universities seems to be less than is expected from institutions attempting to attract an international clientele.
The study concludes that offering English-language training at French-language universities in Quebec is a phenomenon that needs constant observation.
It justifies this by pointing out the significant appeal of English in various domains, its impact on university training, as well as on a student's language practices and the future of French in Quebec.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 29, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.