| The cosmopolitan town of French-speaking Quebec is a mix of voice, split by a thin line. It
is in the town, but comes across as wider than the Channel itself. The French-speakers
want independence; perhaps greater autonomy would suit them better, but that's the French. If it happens,
some of the English speakers around McGill say that they will leave..... To where? "Even in France, they don't have everything in French!" Louise exclaims. But she has never been to France. It can not be argued that there is style and pretension in the Latin Quarter of St. Denis. They are Canadians, who like to be called "North" Americans, but want to be Quebecois. There are no baguettes or French Gendarmes in the streets, although they do drink Perrier and Evian. Sylvie looks cool, oh so very French, but she hides beneath the peak of her baseball cap if you talk to her in English. At least Louise will speak French, although with a grating English accent. The chic are bodies beautiful, and carry themselves well, especially in the horrendous humidity. Papers from France are sold in the shops, but not many in Montreal are lost behind them in the cafe/bars. Their accent takes some getting used to. If you listen closely, the vowels sound short and hard, something akin to the dark voice of Francophone, West Africa.
|
