Pointless to say “Hi”: Plante
Mayor Plante says it’s inutile to say “Hi” after “Bonjour” and merchants should speak French to customers.
Incidentally, Bernard Drainville is blaming the rise in English spoken in French schools on asylum seekers. Note that it isn’t a question any more of languages other than French – there must be some kids speaking Arabic or Spanish, for example – it’s English, that wickedest temptress among languages.
Ian 17:39 on 2024-04-23 Permalink
Multiculturalism is an English plot to destroy French, didn’t you hear?
It’s just a variation on white replacement theory.
Blork 18:38 on 2024-04-23 Permalink
Is it only anglos who understand that the “hi” is code for “I won’t judge you or be harsh with you if you happen to speak English?”
Ian 18:46 on 2024-04-23 Permalink
I still think âllo/’allo would be an ideal solution. But yeah, like Blork said, French first & let people know they can switch if they want. If it was signage it would follow OQLF rules – English second, and half as important.
MarcG 19:35 on 2024-04-23 Permalink
Maybe it needs to be whispered so it’s half the volume.
Kate 19:39 on 2024-04-23 Permalink
Blork, they know, and they don’t want that option to be offered.
Ian 20:02 on 2024-04-23 Permalink
Well, therein lies the rub. It’s not that French isn’t represented, or even dominant; it’s that it’s not exclusive.
Kate 20:09 on 2024-04-23 Permalink
How will this square with summer’s tourism season? Are we really meant to stick stubbornly to French when asked directions by an American or British tourist?
Ian 20:14 on 2024-04-23 Permalink
I guess like in Europe people would simply say “do you speak English” but I’m sure once the bonjour/hi problem has been resolved, speaking any language in public other than French … oh wait
Uatu 01:40 on 2024-04-24 Permalink
I thought this was resolved 4yrs ago with “bonjour – ho!” Lol
jeather 16:09 on 2024-04-24 Permalink
I actually saw a sign saying Bonjour Ho! somewhere in the past year or so, it made me laugh.
Ian 17:28 on 2024-04-24 Permalink
Michael Jackson saying “Ho” for 25 seconds straight. (YT)