Canada/The French language is losing ground in New Brunswick

In Canada, French continues to lose ground to English. Statistics Canada estimates that Shakespeare's language is growing in all provinces including New Brunswick.

According to Statistics Canada, more people speak French as their first language in Canada. But, in proportion to the increase in population, there are actually fewer people who speak Miron's language. In New Brunswick, French spoken as a first language has decreased by 1.6% in 5 years. Sue Duguay of the Société acadienne du Nouveau-Brunswick raises her eyebrows...

"Not surprised at this level. Especially since we know that there has been no positive action taken by governments to counter this trend. "

Since 1971, the decline of the French language has been observed across the country. There are many fears in the field.

It's a bit worrying because young people speak English much more easily," says this woman. It's a bit worrying because young people speak English much more easily," said this woman.

"It's a bit worrying. It is certain that we are easily anglicized. Especially us, the Acadians. Many Acadians live in English-speaking areas. ", she adds.

In the province, daily efforts are being made to reverse the trend, but the fight is difficult.

"English is really taking over. It affects the principle of bilingualism. So, it's up to us, as Francophones, to be able to overcome this and to find resolutions for this. "Yan Chris of the Fédération des jeunes francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick said.

Statistics Canada observes that most newcomers who speak neither French nor English have a marked preference for the latter. According to SANB, the province's immigration plans must be reviewed.

"The current provincial target does not correct the low targets we have had in the past. We can't counter a demographic decline if, in the past, the targets were already too low. As of today, our targets are still too low. "Sue Duguay notes

French has found a way to survive in Canada's only bilingual province. We must remain positive, believes Valérie Lévesque of the NBYF

"I still have hope for the Francophonie here in New Brunswick. "

Without any magical thinking, the energy of a culture and a language can make it survive.

Source: cimtchau.ca