Quebec Government steps In to Defend Hockey Slogan Amid Language Debate
MONTREAL — The Quebec government is intervening to protect the use of “Go! habs Go!” a popular slogan supporting the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, after a complaint about the phrase prompted its removal from city buses.
Jean-François Roberge, the Minister of the French Language, declared the slogan an integral part of Quebec’s identity, calling it part of the province’s “ADN” (DNA). “It is indeed a unifying expression, anchored in our history, which is part of our cultural and historical specificity,” Roberge stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.”It is a Quebecism and we are proud of it!”
The controversy began when the Montreal transport company, Société de transport de Montréal (STM), replaced “Go! canadiens Go!” on its buses with “Come on! Canadiens go!” after a complaint was filed with the Quebec office of the French language (Office québécois de la langue française, Oqlf) regarding the use of the English word “go.”
The decision sparked widespread debate and made headlines after initially being reported by the Montreal Gazette. The STM announced Friday it would seek official confirmation that using “go” wouldn’t result in penalties before reverting to the original slogan.
Roberge reported that Oqlf employees had received threats following the public attention. “It is totally unacceptable,” he said, adding, “This must stop.” He also stated he had “Several exchanges” with the Oqlf, and that complaints regarding “Go! Habs Go!” would be considered “non-admissible.” He maintains the expression is “consecrated and must never be questioned.”
Dominique Malack, president of the Oqlf, issued a statement defending the agency’s actions, clarifying that “in no case did the office opposed the use of the expression Go Habs go, which is anchored in our history and is part of our Quebec specificity.”
Malack explained that the Oqlf did not initiate the change with the STM but rather communicated a citizen’s complaint. While acknowledging that the word “go” is in French dictionaries and commonly used, she pointed out that it is technically an anglicism. Quebec’s french language charter requires public organizations to use exemplary French.
“An institution of the management, as is the case with the STM, can only use French in its display, with exceptions, such as for health and safety reasons,” Malack said. “The Charter is clear as to the obligations incumbent on the State in terms of exemplary French use, and the Office has the mandate to ensure its application.”
Éric Alan Caldwell, Chairman of the STM Board of Directors, expressed satisfaction with Minister Roberge’s decision and announced the STM “will request official authorization to use the word go.”
However, any changes will be part of scheduled updates, with Caldwell stating that adjustments would occur in the fall, as changing the electronic displays manually on each bus would be too cumbersome.
“The STM is proud to be a long-standing official partner of the Montreal Canadians and we will continue to be! Go Habs Go!” Caldwell affirmed.
The Canadiens are currently behind 2-0 against the Washington capitals.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and adhering to linguistic purity laws.While quebec’s commitment to protecting the French language is well-established,the case also shows the passion surrounding sports and the deep-rooted connection fans have with team slogans. It’s unlikely a similar scenario could play out in the U.S. given the nation’s lack of an official language.
However, the U.S. has seen comparable efforts aimed at promoting English as the common language, particularly in states with meaningful non-English speaking populations. These efforts, while not as legally binding as Quebec’s language charter, frequently enough generate similar debates about inclusivity and the role of language in cultural identity.Several states,including Arizona,have passed laws mandating English as the official language,tho these have faced legal challenges and varying degrees of enforcement.
The Broader Context of Language Preservation
Quebec’s language policies are among the most stringent in North America, aimed at protecting the French language in a predominantly English-speaking continent. The Charter of the French Language, also known as Bill 101, is the cornerstone of these policies, mandating French as the language of government, education, and commerce.
The “Go! Habs go!” controversy underscores the broader challenges of enforcing language laws in a globalized world, where code-switching and the mixing of languages are increasingly common. While the Oqlf is tasked with upholding the French language charter, it must also navigate the realities of multilingualism and the cultural significance of expressions like “Go! Habs Go!”
A possible counterargument to Quebec’s language policies is that they stifle linguistic diversity. Supporters of this view argue that individuals should have the right to use the language of their choice, and that overly prescriptive language laws can lead to discrimination and cultural isolation. Though, proponents of the Charter of the French Language maintain that it is indeed necessary to protect the French language and culture from assimilation.
FAQ: Quebec’s Language Laws and the “Go Habs Go” Controversy
What is the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101)? The Charter of the French Language is a Quebec law that makes French the official language of the province. It governs language use in government, education, and business.
What is the oqlf’s role in this controversy? the Office québécois de la langue française (Oqlf) is responsible for enforcing the Charter of the French Language.In this case, they received a complaint about the use of the English word “go” in the slogan “Go! Canadiens go!” on STM buses.
Is the word “go” allowed in French? Yes, the word “go” exists in French dictionaries and is commonly used. However, the oqlf considers it an anglicism, and the French language charter requires public organizations to use exemplary French.
Why is the Quebec government intervening? The Quebec government, through the Minister of the French Language, is stepping in to protect the use of “Go! Habs Go!” due to its cultural significance as a unifying expression of Quebec identity and long history supporting the Montreal Canadiens.
* Will the STM buses go back to using “Go! Canadiens Go!”? The STM has stated that it will seek official authorization from the Oqlf to use the word “go” and will revert to the original slogan once it receives confirmation that it will not be penalized.
