Anglicisms in the French Language : A comparative study of English loanwords in French from France and Quebec

Abstract: The aim of this study was to find out if there are differences in the use of Anglicisms in the French language from Quebec and from France. This was done with the help of a well-known sitcom named Un gars, une fille. The Quebecers and the French have adopted their own version of this sitcom to their cultures. Nine similar sequences from both countries on the theme of sports and six different on the theme of renovation/DIY were analyzed. The analysis concentrated on the English loanwords used by the characters. It was found that the Quebecers, in the sitcom, used more English loanwords than the French. Both French and Quebecers employed many loanwords that are considered as integrated into their language, but they also used loanwords that have a negative connotation because there is a French word to replace it, but the Anglicisms used appears more fashionable. Finally, it is interesting to note the divergence of opinions among scholars in the field of study. Where one scholar considers an Anglicism as a part of the French language (integrated) another scholar deems it to be a negative influence, a loanword that should not be used.