Seeing familiar terms from home is like finding a piece of home.
A breath of fresh air on Google Translate
For several days, Google Translate has offered a new option: Canadian French. Quebecers can now find expressions such as “brailler” to refer to crying, or “blonde” to refer to a girlfriend in their translations, reflecting the authenticity of La Belle province. This update brings a breath of fresh air by adapting to local language realities.
Inclusion is limited to Quebec expressions
Despite this addition, some users have noted that this “Canadian French” focuses mainly on Quebecois expressions, thus neglecting other French-speaking variants found in Canada.
A tribute to Quebec's cultural wealth
Monique Cormier, professor emeritus of linguistics at the University of Montreal, made the announcement during an interview with TVA “It is an important step towards the recognition of regionalism that enriches the French language in all its diversity.”. She believes this addition enhances Quebec's cultural heritage and brings French speakers from here and elsewhere closer together.
When Translating Quebec French: Between Richness and Nuance
From now on, “shopping” replaces “shopping,” an adaptation that enriches the translation. However, we were somewhat surprised to see the almost systematic use of “we” instead of “us,” as shown in the image at the top of the article. While this effort demonstrates Google's commitment to respecting the authenticity of every Francophone, it is essential to ensure that this diversity is preserved in all its detail.
An initiative that caused a stir in the French-speaking world
This linguistic adjustment by Google is part of a broader approach aimed at recognizing regional cultures. Having added Inuktitut, an indigenous Canadian language, and several regional dialects such as Jamaican Creole or Balinese, the digital giant shows a desire to include global diversity. “This type of initiative brings cultures together,” explains a Google spokesperson.
Advanced translation model
With this modification, Google Translate pays tribute to local communities and French speakers around the world. This linguistic recognition opens new horizons: what if the next chapter of digital translation consisted of honoring more regional languages?
