What language is spoken in Canada?
Discover the linguistic diversity and how it shapes the culture of the country.
In Canada, there are mainly two languages spoken: English and French. English is the dominant language and is used as a mother tongue by about 56 percent of the population. It is the predominant language in most provinces and territories, especially in the western and central regions of the country. In Ontario and British Columbia, for example, English is widespread and is mainly used in schools, businesses, and authorities.
French, on the other hand, also has a significant position and is spoken as a first language by about 21 percent of Canadians. The province of Quebec is the center of French-speaking culture in Canada, where French is not only used as a daily language but also prevails in education, media, and the business world. The city of Montreal, for example, is one of the largest French-speaking cities outside France. Here, French is used not only as a means of communication but is also regarded as an identity-forming element for its residents.
Canada has a bilingual status, which means that English and French are equal in official documents and government institutions. This linguistic duality is also reflected in the multicultural society of the country, which includes a variety of other languages, among which Punjabi, Spanish, and Mandarin can be found.