Why you don't understand Quebecois
It's not just the accent!
I often hear that French Canadians are difficult to understand — that we don’t speak “real” French, “Paris French,” or even “standard French.”
While there’s some truth to this, it’s not the whole story.
Let me explain why “Parisian French” is not necessarily easier to understand and why people often feel that they don’t understand Quebec French as well as they’d like.
Standard vs. Spoken (or Street) French
We have to compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges.
Every language has different levels of speech: the standard language, which is closer to the written form, and the spoken language used in everyday life, which includes a lot of slang.
In Quebec, the standard variety is the French used in documentaries, news broadcasts, and interviews on Radio-Canada
This French is not more difficult to understand than the formal French used in news broadcasts or official settings in France. In fact, I’d argue that in some ways, it’s even easier to understand, as vowel pronunciation in Quebec French tends to be more precise than in France.
When it comes to street French, however, there are many different levels.
In Quebec, the most difficult type of spoken French is sometimes called joual, a full expression of Quebecois French, complete with contractions, unique expressions, and distinct syntax and grammar.
But France also has its own versions of street French that can be quite challenging to understand! Watch the series Tout part en fumée on Netflix, and you might struggle with all the verlan (words spoken backward), argot (slang), and slurred pronunciation.
But There’s Another Explanation….
Some people find “Paris French” easier to understand because, in France, social class distinctions have historically been more significant. As a result, speaking proper French has long been seen as a marker of elegance and importance—something necessary to be taken seriously.
Listen to President Macron, and you’ll hear a very formal, almost aristocratic-sounding French.
In contrast, in Quebec, being a snob is not considered a desirable trait. People who speak too much “like a book” are sometimes viewed negatively.
I’m exaggerating, of course, but listen to our own premier, François Legault, and you might feel like you’re listening to your mononcle (uncle). He doesn’t try to sound intellectual—perhaps because he wants to be perceived as someone close to the people.
In general, we could say that Quebecers tend to prefer a more relaxed, distinctly Quebecois way of speaking.
As a result, you’re more likely to hear standard French in more situations in France, simply because it’s more socially expected.
However, if you were to compare street French in Paris to street French in Montreal, you’d likely find both equally challenging.
It’s a Matter of Practice
One issue is that most teachers and learning resources focus primarily on France-centric French.
However, my students who get most of their practice in Quebec actually find it easier to understand our accent.
Many teachers consider certain features of Quebec French to be “mistakes” to avoid and never take the time to explain why a particular word or structure is commonly used in Quebec.
Since most teachers are not trained to teach Quebec French, it can be especially challenging for French learners to understand the way it’s spoken here.
My Unique Approach to Teaching French
What makes me different as a teacher is that I’ve gone through this process myself in multiple languages. I’m a language learner first — I’ve successfully learned English, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
For several years, I gave over 3,000 private lessons on Italki to hundreds of students.
Now, with French With Frederic, I design new classes every week for our growing community of members.
My Passion for Teaching French
I teach French the same way I’ve learned languages myself.
That’s why I’m equally obsessed with good, proper standard French—without sacrificing my roots: my accent, our colorful expressions, and our unique way of speaking.
In other words, I want you to speak good French—but with a Quebecois accent.
I want you to impress people with your vocabulary and grammar while also adding flair with Quebecois words and expressions.
When I learned Spanish, I aimed for a clear, proper version that I could use anywhere in the Spanish-speaking world. But I also wanted to understand the local expressions of the places I visit. I chose Colombian Spanish (from Bogotá) as my model—not just because my girlfriend is from there, but because it’s both clear and rich in expressions.
My Model for Teaching French
My French model is:
The Montreal accent (mine isn’t super strong, but it’s recognizably from Montreal)
The speech of an educated Quebecer
A balance between embracing Quebecois expressions and maintaining a precise, polished vocabulary—free of mistakes that most francophones or educated Quebecers would consider “incorrect”
In short, I want to teach you a French that’s unmistakably Quebecois—but one you can confidently use anywhere in the world!
Let’s Take Your French to the Next Level!
I’ve spent countless hours learning languages, and I didn’t always have the right resources.
I understand the hurdles and challenges that come with language learning!
When I created my French With Frederic membership, my goal was simple: to build the kind of resources I wish I had when I was learning.
✅ A strong focus on content and culture
✅ Plenty of classes and opportunities to practice
✅ Guidance for reading books and understanding movies
✅ A constant source of motivation
The Cost of Learning 💵
One major obstacle to learning a language is cost.
Many people believe they can learn a language for free, but in reality, you often get what you pay for. And for many, this becomes a barrier to real progress.
Let me give you some examples:
When studying German, I took courses at the Goethe-Institut. Each group class cost $640 for around ten sessions — whether in-person or online.
I took over 200 private lessons in German and the same in Italian. Each session cost between $35 and $65 per hour.
In Quebec, university courses cost at least $600 per class for Quebec residents—and much more for non-residents.
Many French teachers offer programs somewhat similar to my community, but they charge 600 euros per year.
Why French With Frederic?
I built French With Frederic to provide all the resources and coaching you need, with a strong emphasis on Quebec French and culture.
There’s truly nothing else like it—and at a price that’s hard to beat.
Ready to take your French to the next level? 🚀
I’m offering a 40% discount on your first year of French With Frederic, for the next three days. (Or choose a lifetime subscription and never pay again)
With a French With Frederic subscription, you will get
42 weeks of classes per year, members-only content every week
4-5X+ a week conversation classes on Zoom
Intermediate (B1) class on Tuesday at 7 p.m. (Eastern)
Advanced (B2+) class on Tuesday at 8 p.m. (Eastern)
Beginner’s (A2) class on Wednesday at 1 p.m. (Eastern)
French Canadian culture with Anne-Marie Turcotte, on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Conversation meetings with members
Other special activities for members and opportunities to practice your French
A private podcast to watch or listen to the recorded classes you missed
Transcript of every class or turn on subtitles
Notes of every class
You can watch the video or listen to the classes as a podcast (on your favorite platform too, like Apple Podcasts or Spotify)
Club de lecture & cinema 📖 🍿Learn French through French Canadian literature and movies!
Every month, we study either one book or two movies.
There are two classes per month.
Recordings in case you miss it!
Access every article and podcast on my site (including formatted transcripts of my podcasts, and exclusive audios)
Exclusive members-only podcasts and lessons
How the French With Frederic classes work
Every Monday morning, you’ll receive an email detailing the courses and activities available during the week. You can then add the courses that interest your to your calendar.
The classes are 55 minutes long.
In the Monday email, I also announce the topics for each classes. Sometimes, there’s an article to read or a video to watch ahead of time.
We are normally 12-15 students for each class. Sometimes we have more people, but sometimes we have less. That’s why I keep adding new activities and classes to give everyone a chance to practice.
The classes are entirely in French but I can give translations of words in English.
If you’re at a conversational level (A2+) these classes are for you. You don’t have to speak fluently to join. Feel free to participate, or just listen and wait until you’re ready to speak.
I keep adding new activities and classes as the community grows.
I’m offering a 40% discount on your first year of French With Frederic, for the next three days. (Or choose a lifetime subscription and never pay again)
Still on the fence about joining French With Frederic? Get this $199 bonus if you sign up today
I’ve been working on the following program for more than six months. This course presents a unique methodology to teach Quebecois French.
To teach Quebec French, I decided to use one of the most well-known books in the French language. Le Petit Prince, by St-Exupéry!
I have adapted The Little Prince, or “translated it” — into Quebec French.
But that’s not all.
It’s formatted as a course.
Each chapter is recorded, with a Quebecois accent.
Every change, new vocabulary and new grammatical structures are explained.
There’s a complete video presentation to explain the main aspects of Quebec French.
You’ll also have access to the complete audiobook of Le Petit Prince en québécois.
This course will allow you to
Understand Quebecois French
Become familiar with the main differences that make Quebec French so particular
Acquire important Quebecois vocabulary
This program sells separately for $199 CAD, but you can get it for free by subscribing today
I’m offering a 40% discount on your first year of French With Frederic, for the next three days. (Or choose a lifetime subscription and never pay again)