Researchers from across Canada gathered at the University of Victoria on Monday, June 15, 2026, to open a three-day colloquium titled “Les Français d’ici” [1, 2, 3].
The event focuses on the varieties of French and the broader North American francophonie. By examining how the language evolves across different regions, the gathering seeks to highlight the shared linguistic identity that persists despite varying accents, expressions, and lived realities [1, 2].
Catherine Léger, a professor at the University of Victoria, is among the scholars participating in the discussions [1, 2, 3]. The colloquium aims to map the linguistic landscape of a community that includes approximately 33 million francophone speakers across the Americas [1].
The three-day event [1, 2] provides a platform for academics to analyze how French is spoken outside of France, specifically within the diverse contexts of Canada and other North American regions. The researchers are exploring the nuances that define these regional varieties, treating the diversity of the language as a strength rather than a deviation from a standard norm [1, 2].
The gathering in British Columbia brings together a cross-section of Canadian linguistic expertise to document the current state of the language. These discussions occur as the academic community continues to evaluate the influence of geography and migration on the development of French dialects in the Western Hemisphere [1, 2, 3].
“The colloquium aims to map the linguistic landscape of a community that includes approximately 33 million francophone speakers across the Americas.”
This colloquium reflects a growing academic effort to legitimize regional dialects of French in North America. By centering the study on 'Les Français d’ici,' researchers are shifting the linguistic focus away from European standards to recognize the unique cultural and social identity of the 33 million speakers in the Americas.
