From Affirmed Privilege to Experiences of Discrimination: Majority Anglophones' Perceptions of Linguistic Majority-Minority Dynamics in Canada

• Published in: Canadian ethnic studies 2017-03, Vol.49 (1), p.67-84
• Main Authors: Rivest, Marie-Pier, Moreau, Nicolas, Negura, Lilian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Anglophones; Class identity; Classism; Context; Discontent; Discrimination; English; English speaking Canadians; Ethnolinguistic groups; Francophones; Gender; Gender Discrimination; Gender identity; Group identity; Language; Linguistics; Marginality; Minorities; Narratives; Official Languages; Power; Qualitative research; Race; Racism; Self concept; Social aspects; Social identity; Social privilege; Social sciences; Social work; Society; Sovereignty
• ISSN: 0008-3496; 1913-8253; 1913-8253
• DOI: 10.1353/ces.2017.0003

This paper explores the rarely addressed subject of linguistic majority in the context of Canadian society, through a qualitative analysis of 20 semi-directed interviews with majority Anglophone participants. It was found that while participants acknowledged a certain form of privilege related to their majority status within Canadian society, it was also common for them to experience situations in which they felt overlooked, marginalized and even discriminated against. "Linguistic privilege" has not been the subject of more studies because it is often seen as a "default", taken-for-granted status in Canadian society. However, studying this form of privilege and its intersections with other dimensions of identity such as gender, class and race could lead to new insights on language, power and group identity. Moreover, studies on "the majority" are especially pertinent in a context where "silent majorities" are becoming increasingly vocal in stating their dissatisfaction and feelings of discrimination. This article can provide pathways to a better understanding of this emergent issue.