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“French as a “Common Language” and the Recognition of Multiple Linguistic Sovereignties in Quebec”

Jérôme Gosselin-Tapp (Laval University) publishes a new article entitled “French as a “Common Language” and the Recognition of Multiple Linguistic Sovereignties in Quebec”, in collaboration with his colleagues Delphine Raymond, Frédérique Jean and Rémi Poiré, in Dialogue: Canadian Philosophical Review.

Abstract

Quebec sociopolitical context is currently characterized by two distinct political undertakings: on the one hand, a modernization of the Charter of the French Language, and on the other, a desire to establish a nation-to-nation relationship with the Indigenous peoples whose territory lies within Quebec. Although compatible in theory, these two projects are in tension in practice. This article thus proposes a critical analysis of the notion of a “common language” (“langue commune”) at the heart of Quebec’s language policies. This article argues that it relies on a conception of linguistic justice ill-suited for plurinational societies such as Quebec.

This article was published in English and in French. To read the English version, click here.