Negotiations of language choice in Montreal

Abstract

Something strange is going on in Montreal. Every encounter between strangers, however casually, especially in public places but by no means exclusively, has become a political act. Buying a pair of socks has become problematic, as witnessed by the following article from The Montreal Star of January 26, 1978, reporting one person's frustration: The other day I walked into a department store and had a conversation which made me feel foolish. It was also frustrating … It's the kind of conversation I have an awful lot nowadays … The conversation always goes something like this: I walk up to the counter, intent on buying some socks. “Bonjour,” says the woman behind the counter, smiling. “Est-ce que je peux vous aider?” “Oui,” I smile back. “Je voudrais acheter des bas comme ca.” I point to some socks on display in the showcase. “En beige, s'il vous plaît.” “Yes, of course, Madame,” she responds in English. “What size?” “Er …” I pause, “nine and a half, please.” Our transaction continues smoothly and I thank her and leave the store. But inwardly, the whole time this pleasant bilingual woman is fishing my socks out of the showcase and putting them in a bag and taking the money, I am cursing. Dammit, I want to say. […]

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