The interesting letter of Ch. Tillen, "In defense of French" is clearly
written from the perspective of a Quebec nationalist, who wishes us to believe Canada
and Quebec are separate linguistic and geopolitical entities. Of course, the reality
is that Quebec remains a part of Canada, and approximately 25 percent of Canadians
live in Quebec. So it makes little sense to write that "Canadians say to Quebecers...speak
like me". It makes even less sense when you realize that while a majority of
Quebecers speak French, a significant minority speak other languages, especially
English, just as a significant minority of those living outside Quebec speak languages
other than English, including French. Quebec nationalists would like to ignore that
linguistic reality and imagine the country in black and white, i.e. two separate
English and French States.
The term "speak white" is a very odd one, as I have only heard it spoken
by Quebec nationalist radicals, especially of the 60's variety, making exaggerated
claims that they represent the "white Niggers of America". Such claims
only seem to denigrate the legitimate struggles of African peoples. The reality of
contemporary Quebec society is that the language of work is not determined by an
"Anglo boss", as the great majority of bosses are francophone, and the
Quebec government legislates the use of French in the workplace. Many Quebec nationalists
have also championed repressive legislation which prohibits the use of written English,
and other languages, in public places. English is more in evidence on public signs
in some Asian countries than in Quebec, where it is the first language of many of
its citizens. How can anyone supporting the position of Quebec nationalists possibly
accuse Anglophones of being "imperialist"?
