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Do I Have To Speak French to Live in Quebec?

Complete Idiot's Guide to Learning FrenchIf you plan to live and work in Quebec, speaking French is definitely an asset.

Across the province, roughly 55 percent of the population speaks only French, while about 40 percent speak both French and English.

Only five percent of Quebec residents get by speaking only English.

French in Montreal

Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world (after Paris), but it’s also the most bilingual.

More than half of Montreal’s residents can communicate in both French and English, and among businesspeople, that number goes up to a 80 percent. Even if you address Montrealers in French, they’ll often switch into English if they recognize that you’re not a native French speaker.

It’s possible to live here with no French at all, but you’ll find it much easier to work and manage your day-to-day activities if you can speak at least some French.

French in Quebec City

In Quebec City, which draws many international tourists, you’ll find English speakers working in tourism-related businesses. Overall, however, only a third of residents are fully bilingual, while two-thirds speak only French.

The number of Quebec City residents who get by with English only is negligible, so if you’re planning to settle here, try to begin learning French as soon as you can.

How to Learn French in Quebec

The Quebec government wants newcomers to learn to speak French as quickly as possible.

In partnership with universities, colleges, community organizations, and schools, the provincial Ministry of Immigration offers both part-time and intensive full-time French-language courses for new residents. If you meet their requirements, the courses are free.

Check the Quebec Ministry of Immigration website for information about French language programs in the community where you’ll be living.

Learning French Before You Leave Home

Want to get a head start on your French studies before you leave home? These resources can help: