I haven't taken the time to read through this thread (so much to read, so little time), so forgive me if this is off base, but would it be fair to summarize this situation by the assumption that the French language would not survive in Quebec without this high level of intervention?
This wouldn't likely happen within the lifetime of most forum members, but perhaps over three or four generations would it be fair to assume (if no action were to be taken) that Quebec would be mostly made up of English speakers, as future generations would see less of a reason to hold onto a language that is being used less and less by the world surrounding them?
Or... would French be self-sustaining by those who strongly support their culture, such that it will always have a presence in Quebec? This would be under the assumption that parents would continue to teach the language and culture to their kids, and that there would continue to be support in the school system.
I'm curious about this, as there seems to be some perception that English-speaking Canada is actively trying to rid the country of the French language, but I'm not sure if this is the case. I think the attrition would be more linked to gradual cultural change and indifference, not unlike how very few Nova Scotians speak Gaelic, even though it was the native language of Scottish settlers who comprised a large part of the population many generations ago. There still are efforts to keep the language and culture alive among those who care about it, but it has mostly disappeared from the landscape (for the same reasons, cultural change and indifference). So if French language and culture was left unabated, to fend for itself, would it survive on its own? That seems to be the concern here, unless I'm totally missing the point.
As a non-French speaking (other than 3 years required Junior High French plus another 3 years of elective French classes in high school) ROC person, I would like to see the French culture and language continue in Quebec (and other traditionally French-speaking areas in Canada). Personally, I think the Quebecois culture adds depth to our society, and thus is a benefit even to those who don't understand its intrinsic value (from an ROC perspective, of course).
However, even with the levels of
passion expressed in this thread, I can't help but wonder if the enthusiasm to keep up the fight will wane as the older generations pass on, and the younger generations wonder what all the fuss was about. Or not.
Just
, which now only exists in digital form anyhow, so value it as such...
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