OQLF redacts sections of language reports
The second instalment of Andy Riga’s report on OQLF activities alleges that it redacts sections of a key report on how businesses use language, blacking out entire pages for an unknown reason.
The second instalment of Andy Riga’s report on OQLF activities alleges that it redacts sections of a key report on how businesses use language, blacking out entire pages for an unknown reason.
jeather 10:29 on 2025-01-14 Permalink
“Wednesday: Focus shifts to whether French service is ‘spontaneous’ rather than just available”
Of course, time to move those goalposts because at >97% availability, it’s hard to call that a problem. (It’s unclear to me if “Bonjour-hi” is spontaneous or not.)
Kate 15:57 on 2025-01-14 Permalink
It’s a strange metric.
I’m also wondering whether there are complaints about hearing English spoken at all. I go to several local cafés where the staff often know the linguistic preferences of their regulars, and switch seamlessly between serving people in English or French as required. But are there people who find this offensive, even if the staff are fully compliant in greeting and serving them in French?
I would always speak French if I felt it necessary to keep trouble away from cafés I like.
jeather 19:00 on 2025-01-14 Permalink
I assume there are people who find everything offensive. And it’s clear that, despite what some might wish, they’re legally allowed to serve people in other languages.
Kevin 19:13 on 2025-01-14 Permalink
I’m hoping they get to the number of complaints that are rejected as being invalid. Last time I saw a figure it was around 90%
Nicholas 02:04 on 2025-01-15 Permalink
There was a case a few years ago in Texas where a bartender was accused of serving alcohol to a minor but it turned out the inspector lied under oath, and after filing a false report under penalty of perjury the video from the bar proved the bartender followed the law. Unfortunately the bartender was fired and had to spends thousands on a lawyer and the inspector suffered zero consequences. If I were a business I would consider recording these interactions, with audio, to ensure that people didn’t get in trouble for serving regulars who wanted it in a language other than French. Maybe the regulars should fill out linguistic consent forms.
steph 14:21 on 2025-01-15 Permalink
Anglophones are just going to have to start wearing an arm-band with a scarlet A