From Early Stories to Today · Drawing 42
French in everyday life
1977
In 1977, Québec adopted the Charter of the French Language. This law strengthened the place of French in schools, workplaces and businesses.
Look together
Where do you hear French during your day?
An idea to try
Choose a French word in a book at home. Your child draws or acts it out. If your family knows the word in another language, share that too.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
The Charter of the French Language received assent on August 26, 1977. Also called Bill 101, it addresses the place of French in public life. The Office québécois de la langue française distinguishes it from the Official Language Act of 1974. The year 1977 should therefore not be presented as the first official recognition of French in Québec.
For young children, a bookshop connects with words they read, hear and share. Name the languages known in your family without setting them against one another. This page recalls a historical step; it does not explain today's legal rules. The drawn books remain blank for imagination and colouring.
Sources and context
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. Source titles appear in their original language; some linked pages are in French.
- Gouvernement du Québec - À propos de la Charte de la langue française
- Office québécois de la langue française - Repères historiques
Source review: 2026-09-12. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.