When to speak in English and when to speak in French (live, store)

[survivingearth]

How does it work? I was in Montreal and couldn't really figure out some people speaking in english some people in french. Is the norm to start a conversation in French?

[Jimrob1]

Just say Bonjour and see what happens.

[Arcenal813]

Yeah if you try to speak French but the other party prefers English, or hears a distinct English accent, they'll likely just respond in English.

[kent2780]

Depends where you are on the city, in the West Island and parts of downtown most people will prefer English. The rest is French. Don't forget there are many, many people in Montreal that are not bilingual, they might have just some basic conversation skills in the other language. The moment they figure out you are bilingual they will switch to their language of choice.

[Acajack]

When addressing strangers I speak French all the time. That is even what most local anglos do now, with some exceptions.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by kent2780

Depends where you are on the city, in the West Island and parts of downtown most people will prefer English. The rest is French. Don't forget there are many, many people in Montreal that are not bilingual, they might have just some basic conversation skills in the other language. The moment they figure out you are bilingual they will switch to their language of choice.

Hmm... That's not my experience... Unless things have changed drastically since I moved away years ago. Virtually everyone I encountered (On the island especially, but still on the South Shore in places like Brossard, Chateauguay, Candiac, Delson, etc.) was bilingual. Some had thick accents, but they could definitely hold a conversation in both languages.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Hmm... That's not my experience... Unless things have changed drastically since I moved away years ago. Virtually everyone I encountered (On the island especially, but still on the South Shore in places like Brossard, Chateauguay, Candiac, Delson, etc.) was bilingual. Some had thick accents, but they could definitely hold a conversation in both languages.

The stats don't back up the near systematic bilingualism of everyone in Montreal. And never have.

[jamesse]

This is my system. Unless I'm in obviously anglo situations.

1) I always start with French.

2) If the person hasn't switched to English, I continue with French.

3) At this point, I'm assessing whether I can continue with French.
I'll listen for the keywords.
If it's an important thing and I'm not getting it all, I'll start the conversation again in English. I'll say something like 'Désolé, je comprend pas'

4) If I understand the French a little bit or if I deem that it's not important, then I'll just say "c'est ça".

[kent2780]

Originally Posted by Acajack

When addressing strangers I speak French all the time. That is even what most local anglos do now, with some exceptions.

Again, depends where in Montreal you are. I lived in West Island for the last ten year and 80% of the time I have an interaction with a stranger, in the street or in a store the start of the conversation will be in English. Same for Cote St-Luc and few other areas.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by kent2780

Again, depends where in Montreal you are. I lived in West Island for the last ten year and 80% of the time I have an interaction with a stranger, in the street or in a store the start of the conversation will be in English. Same for Cote St-Luc and few other areas.

Good examples of those exceptions I was referring to.