The Experiences of and Responses to Linguicism of Quebec English-Speaking and Franco-Ontarian Postsecondary Students

This article explores the experiences of linguicism of Quebec English-speaking and Franco-Ontarian postsecondary students and how they respond to these experiences. Using Goffman’s theory of stigma and a qualitative approach, this article presents findings that emerged from interviews conducted between January and June 2014 in Quebec and Ontario. Both Quebec English-speaking and Franco-Ontarian participants report experiences of linguicism, which are fueled by certain stigma theories. Participants in both groups use similar strategies to avoid conflict, but diverge in their attitudes. The findings point to the significance of provincial contexts and the need for further studies about linguicism among official language minorities.