Released: May 6, 2025
Updated : December 11, 2025
The Study on the Languages Spoken in Québec aims to collect reliable, objective data on the languages used by Quebecers in various contexts. It was conducted between January 10 and August 26, 2024 among 45,280 people aged 15 and over. This page contains highlights based on the results of the study. Additional analyses are available in three fascicles.
On this page:
Language(s) spoken with close ones
Language(s) used most frequently in formal work situations
Language(s) used most frequently in stores
Language(s) used most frequently during selected personal activities
Language(s) spoken with close ones
A language spoken with close ones is a language that a person speaks at home or with friends. In 2024, about 56% of Quebecers aged 15 and over spoke only French with their close ones, 4% only English, and 30% both French and English or French and English plus another language. The remaining 11% of Quebecers used either another language or another combination of languages with their close ones.
In the Montréal census metropolitan area (CMA), and especially on the Island of Montréal, the proportion of people who spoke several languages with their close ones was higher than the provincial average.
Language(s) used most frequently in formal work situations
In 2024, about 73% of Québec workers most frequently used French in formal work situations. Approximately 12% of workers most frequently used English, and 13% most frequently used both French and English. The rest of workers (2%) most frequently used another language or combination of languages.
Language(s) used most frequently in stores
In the stores they usually visit, about 83% of Quebecers aged 15 and over most frequently used French in 2024; 8% most frequently used both French and English, and 7% most frequently used English. On the Island of Montréal, 61% of consumers aged 15 and over most frequently used French in stores; 17% most frequently used both French and English; and 17% most frequently used English.
Language(s) used most frequently during selected personal activities
Notes
1. News or current affairs programs on TV, the radio or the Internet.
2. Books, magazines, newspapers or other types of publications in print or digital format.
3. Text messages, e-mails, letters, etc.
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec, Study on the Languages Spoken in Québec, 2024.
Around half of Internet users aged 15 and over most frequently browse the Internet in French; about one quarter in English; and nearly 1 in 5 most frequently in both languages. The percentages are similar for people aged 15 and over who make online purchases.
Nearly two thirds of people who watch or listen to news or current affairs programs most frequently do so in French.
About 71% of people who write personal communications (text messages, e-mails, letters, etc.) write those communications most frequently in French, 12% most frequently in English, and 9% most frequently in both languages.
About 61% of readers aged 15 and over most frequently read in French, while 17% most frequently read in English and 15% read as much in French as in English.
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