Quebecers Frequently Switch Languages in Daily Interactions, Survey Reveals
A comprehensive new survey from the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) has uncovered that multilingualism is deeply embedded in the daily lives of Quebec residents. The study, which involved 45,280 participants aged 15 and older, shows that language switching is a common practice in both private and public spheres.
Widespread Multilingual Use in Personal Life
Four out of every ten Quebecers reported using two or more languages when communicating with family members and friends. This finding highlights how linguistic diversity extends beyond official settings into the most intimate aspects of daily life.
"It's quite significant to think that 40 per cent of Quebecers use more than one language to interact with their close contacts," said Christine Routhier, an expert in linguistic demography at the ISQ. "That's one of the striking results of the survey."
The detailed results demonstrate that while French remains overwhelmingly present in private life—with 92% of respondents citing it as one of their languages used at home or with friends—multilingual use is remarkably common. English was cited by 37% of respondents, followed by Arabic and Spanish (both at 4.4%), and Italian (1.5%).
Language Use in Public Settings
Approximately one in three Quebecers surveyed said they regularly use both French and English while shopping and in informal work environments. This includes casual conversations in hallways, lunch discussions, and pre-meeting conversations.
"A substantial portion of Quebecers use both French and English in different verbal interactions—some in private life with close contacts, others in public spaces," Routhier explained. "This is not negligible, and it will be interesting to track this phenomenon over time."
The survey revealed interesting regional variations:
- Montreal residents were far more likely to use English in personal settings, with 62% reporting English use compared to just 22% in Quebec City
- Younger Quebecers (ages 15-34) were more than twice as likely to use English with friends and family compared to those 55 and older
- 60% of respondents spoke only one language at home and with friends, while 28% used two languages and 12% used three or more
Shopping and Commercial Interactions
When examining language use in commercial settings, the survey found that French remains dominant in stores across Quebec. Eight out of ten respondents said they used French most frequently when shopping, while only seven percent of the provincial population used English most frequently in stores.
On the island of Montreal, however, the percentage of those using English most frequently in stores rose to 18%. Regardless of their most comfortable language, most respondents reported using French when speaking to store personnel.
Among respondents most comfortable in English, 59% said they speak French or a combination of French and English in stores, while 41% said they only speak English.
Survey Methodology and Future Tracking
The ISQ survey was conducted in 2024 on behalf of Quebec's French Language Ministry, with results released in stages throughout 2025 and a final installment published in December. The research employed both online and telephone methodologies and represents the first in what the ISQ plans as an annual series.
Routhier presented the findings at a Friday event organized by the Quebec English-Speaking Communities Research Network (QUESCREN), which brings together researchers, community members, and institutions. She noted that the survey approached language use from a practical perspective, examining how Quebecers actually employ different languages in daily life rather than focusing solely on demographic statistics.
"The ISQ has only one year of data, so it's too early to detect trends," Routhier cautioned. "Results from follow-up surveys in 2025 and 2026 will help paint a clearer picture."
Broader Context and Political Implications
The status of the French language is expected to be a significant issue in Quebec's upcoming October election. The survey findings arrive amid ongoing debates about whether French is declining in the province.
A separate 2025 Léger survey commissioned for a QUESCREN study revealed a stark divide in perceptions: 72% of francophones believe French is in danger, while 70% of anglophones believe it is not.
Routhier, a former research adviser at the Office québécois de la langue française, explained that debates about the state of French often focus on the shrinking demographic weight of francophones rather than measured decreases in how often French is actually used. The ISQ survey provides valuable data from this second perspective, offering insights into real-world language practices across Quebec society.
