The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) has recently released a guide aimed at promoting the use of French among fans of the Montreal Canadiens during the playoffs. This initiative coincides with the team’s match against the Carolina Hurricanes, emphasizing the need to support the team using the language of Maurice Richard.
OQLF’s Commitment to French in Hockey
The guide provides fans with a hockey thesaurus, labeled “À vos patins.” Initially produced in 2007, this vocabulary resource has been updated to align with the current playoff fervor. The OQLF seeks to enhance the use of French terms in hockey, moving away from anglicisms that have previously permeated the sport.
Changes in Hockey Terminology
Historically, terms such as “puck,” “face off,” and “slap shot” have been prevalent among fans and commentators. However, these have largely been replaced by French equivalents like “rondelle,” “mise au jeu,” and “lancer frappé.” The OQLF has been pivotal in this transition, stressing the importance of French vocabulary in preserving the cultural integrity of hockey in Quebec.
Controversy Over Previous Initiatives
Last year, the OQLF faced backlash for attempting to alter the slogan “Go Habs Go!” to “Allez Canadiens allez!” on signs used by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). This effort was part of compliance with reforms to Law 101, aimed at reinforcing the French language. However, the political response was swift, distancing itself from the OQLF’s actions.
Returning to “Go Habs Go!”
This year, the famous slogan “Go Habs Go!” has made a comeback on STM bus signage. The shift indicates a return to familiar phrases embraced by fans while allowing for OQLF initiatives to support French language promotion in sports.
Contact Information
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