Bi ... Lingual

# Posted by Joel Dixon at 16/10/2007 13:16:24

Canada's official languages are both English and French, even though virtually nobody speaks French in Edmonton (the Francophone population are mainly living in Quebec, and other areas in the east). It's the first time I've lived in a country with two official languages, and it's been an experience.

It's interesting how dual languages affect product packaging and signage around town. Even though I never hear the French language, I certainly do see it. By law, products have to have the text in both English and French which really clutters up their look (I think). Some products have each word copied a line below with the same word in French, whereas others use the front and back of the product's packaging as the "front" for labeling purposes.

An example of the kind of bi-lingual packaging I see a lot. It's not too obvious, but does crowd up the packet a little

Also, every automated help line I've had the displeasure of using asks what language you want to use as soon as you start. Maybe that's why I've been having problems with customer service over here - perhaps they're expecting me to speak French!

This environment is actually a good place to start learning the French language. Obviously it would be more advantageous to be living in Quebec (with a lot of the population speaking French and English), but I've been picking up a few words here and there. It's useful having a translation of simple words on each of piece of product's packaging (such as menthe underneath mint, or fromage under cheese).

Some of the translations are quite funny, or the product names are very different for the French label. For example, Chips Ahoy! is translated as something like Mr. Christie's nuggets of chocolate. Appetizing! There's also occasions that I see the French side of an item and it throws me a little. Like a soda that is raisin flavoured (grape), or a gel that is labeled for the douche (that one put me off a little - it means shower).

I feel like a chocolate nugget right now!

I don't expect to be wearing a beret and hanging garlic around my neck in a striped shirt when I get back to Australia, but I should at least understand Jean Girard a little more the next time I watch Talladega Nights.

Frenchie

Ah, oui oui - I'm home

# Posted in the Travel section and tagged as: Edmonton
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Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Bi ... Lingual

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