6 Key Differences Between French EU & French Canadian (& Why It Matters)

Whether you’re looking to localise your content for a French-speaking audience or are just curious about the differences between French EU and French Canadian, it’s important to understand that these two variations of the French language have distinct differences.

These differences extend beyond just vocabulary and pronunciation; they also encompass cultural nuances and regional influences.

The effect of these differences on voice over, translation, and localisation can be significant, making it crucial for businesses and content creators looking to reach French-speaking audiences to understand them. You could find yourself in trouble if you apply French EU rules to a French Canadian project or vice versa.

Differences Between French EU & French Canadian Languages With Examples

In the simplest of explanations, French EU (or European French) refers to the standardised version of the French language used in France and other European countries, while French Canadian refers to the variety spoken in Canada.

While both are based on the same language, they have evolved differently over time, leading to significant differences that can affect how your content is perceived and understood by your target audience.

We’re going to break down 6 of the key differences between these languages, highlight why they matter, and help you navigate these differences to create high-quality, culturally appropriate content.

1. Vocabulary & Terminology

The obvious difference between the two variations is the vocabulary used. One word in European French will be completely different to the same word in Canadian French.

For example, the word “car” in European French is “voiture” (pronounced vwah-ture), while in Canadian French it is “char” (pronounced shahr). 

Therefore, if you’re translating your content from one language into both French and Canadian French, you can’t simply use the same translated content for both audiences.

This YouTube Shorts clip highlights some examples…

2. Pronunciation

When it comes to how the languages sound, you’ll notice that Quebecois French sounds more nasal and has distinct vowel sounds. French Today gives a great example, highlighting that “an” in “les parents” (the parents) is pronounced more like “in”, so this sounds like “les parrains”.

This video has some great examples of Quebecan French words, so have a listen to how they sound:

Accents also vary between French EU and Canadian French, as each region has its own unique accent and intonation patterns. 

For example, “oui” (yes) in French EU is pronounced with a sharp “i” sound, while in Canadian French, it sounds more like “wee”. Commonly, people prefer the informal “yeah” in Quebec, which is spelt “ouain” or “ouin”.

3. Formality & Politeness

French Canadians will more commonly use informal language and familiar forms of address, while European French speakers tend to use more formal language.

• French EU: Formality and politeness are taken seriously in European French, with a clear distinction between formal and informal speech. This is similar to the “tu” and “vous” distinction in French, where “vous” is used for formal situations or when addressing someone with respect.
• French Canadian: In Quebec, the use of “tu” and “vous” is not as strictly differentiated. Instead, familiar forms of address are more commonly used, even in formal situations.

When creating content that addresses a formal audience or requires a polite tone, it’s crucial to understand the cultural norms of your target audience.

For example, in customer service scripts or IVR prompts in European French, formal language and “vous” when addressing customers would be appropriate.

However, in Canadian French, using informal language and “tu” may come across as more genuine and friendly. This can become tricky, though, and “vous” can still be used in business settings when using French Canadian, so the rule isn’t always consistent.

4. Grammar & Sentence Structure

The grammar differences between French EU and French Canadian are very important for translating written content, such as voice over scripts or subtitles.

One of the most notable differences between the two is the use of object and subject pronouns. In French EU, the “nous” pronoun (meaning “we”) is “on” in Quebec French.

Prepositions tend to be shortened or dropped in French Canadian, which can change the meaning of a sentence. For example, “dans la voiture” in French could become “dins voiture” in French Canadian.

5. Idioms

Expressions or idioms are phrases that convey a meaning beyond the literal translation of the words used. These can be tricky for translators who aren’t native speakers of the target language, as idiomatic expressions vary greatly between French EU and Canadian French.

For example, “Vas-y mollo” in French EU roughly translates to “take it easy”, but French Canadians are more likely to say “Relax”. 

6. Influence of English

And lastly, one of the most notable differences between French EU and Canadian French is the influence of English.

The French-Canadian language possesses many Anglicisms, which are words borrowed from English and adapted for use in French. These can include everyday terms like “internet” or slang phrases like “cool”.

In contrast, the French EU language tends to resist incorporating English words, but you will find more Latin-influenced or derived terms.

Is the Canadian French Interchangeable With the European French Language?

If there’s one takeaway from this article, it’s that Canadian French and European French are not interchangeable.

For all the differences we’ve highlighted, there are still many more nuances that make these variations unique and distinct. If you attempt to communicate with your target audience using the wrong variation of French, it can come across as unprofessional, inauthentic, and — quite frankly — ignorant.

Aside from the lexical and grammatical differences we’ve discussed, there are other reasons why you shouldn’t apply a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when translating or creating content for French-speaking audiences.

Customer Buying Behaviour & Consumer Preferences

When we’re approaching this from a marketing perspective, it’s crucial to understand that Canadian French and European French speakers have different buying behaviours and consumer preferences.

When developing marketing messaging for a specific French-speaking market, it’s essential to understand their values, cultural norms and preferences. This will help you create content that resonates with your target audience and ultimately drives conversions.

According to Santander Trade, “Most French believe that consumption is synonymous with pleasure; therefore travel, restaurants, sports, culture and entertainment products and services are quite important to most French consumers.”.

But when looking at Canadian buying behaviours, their analysis states Canadians are becoming more concerned about sustainable consumption, with a rise in the purchases of local, ethical or organic products, especially in the food and clothing sectors. Consumers are willing to spend more money on sustainable foodstuff, too.

You may create marketing content, like a TV commercial or explainer video for the Canadian market, that speaks to sustainable consumption and purchasing from local businesses. This message would not resonate as well with European French-speaking audiences, who may prefer messaging that emphasises luxury or indulgence.

How to Localise Your Content for the Right French-Speaking Audience

It might be tempting to try and save time or resources by trying to localise your content yourself or by using online translator tools. However, this can be a costly mistake that could damage your brand’s reputation and credibility.

Instead, consider working with professional translators who are native speakers of the specific French variation you’re targeting. People native to the language will have a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of cultural nuances and preferences that can inform your content creation and messaging.

Professional & Expert French Translation Services at Matinée

At Matinée, we have a tight network of European and Canadian French linguists who can help you create content that resonates with your specific target audience. Whether you’re looking for a voice artist for a TV commercial, or a team to translate and localise your video’s subtitles, our experienced team can help you achieve your French-speaking market goals.

We’ll provide support at every step in the process, from script translation to final delivery, ensuring your message is accurately and effectively communicated.

Don’t risk losing potential customers or damaging your brand’s reputation by using the wrong variation of French — get in touch today.

FAQ

Can People in France Understand Canadian French? + –

There are some similar words and phrases in both Canadian French and European French, but there are also significant differences, particularly in the pragmatics and semantics, which can make it difficult for people in France to understand Canadian French.

Is Canadian French Hard to Learn? + –

Canadian French is no more difficult to learn than European French. However, as with any language variation, there are specific linguistic and cultural nuances that require time and effort to master.

Do French Canadians Have the Original French Accent? + –

No, French Canadians don’t speak with a French accent. They have their own accents, often regional, such as Québécois or Acadian.

Is Canada More British or French? + –

According to the Government of Canada’s website, 76.1% of the population’s first spoken language is English, 22% is French, and 1.8% is neither. So, while there is a significant French-speaking population in Canada, it is primarily an English-speaking country.