Culture In Quebec

The French-speaking community of the Quebec province of Canada has a rich culture, one that sprung out of both influences from Latin and Anglo-Saxon cultures.

We are renowned all around the world for our singers, mostly Celine Dion, Mitsou, Garou, Isabelle Boulay, Ginette Reno, Lara Fabian, etc.

But some other great artists of Quebec are less known, because of their native language, maybe, but also because their message is less universal, more cultural, and speaks of our nation and nationality, which is a constant fight in Quebec, and even in Canada.

I have translated a song from Paul Piché, one of our most famous singers, and posted it in French at that address:

SurMaPeau?

and in English at that one:

CoverMySkin?.

The song may seem a queer or common love story (both at the same time!): but it has some profound nationalist meaning, which I let you discover.

Hope you like it!

I recently (June 24th, 2002) saw a new side of Quebec's culture at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste's show. It was the first time I could see quebeckers dancing massively on folkloric music, and actually like it. I am reading actually a book about reccuring violence in different countries and cultures, and a thought by the author, a French, Philippe Engelhard, accurately expresses what I FELT that night : we somehow, in our national subconscient, our past history, with all its violence, oppressions, denials and victories. That was what was celebrated that 24th of June : our victory, as French speakers in a globally English-speaking environment, over tentatives of assimilation that were induced over us.

The matter must be reflected upon. I wish some Quebeckers could read over those lines to give me their comments.

What about giving me your opinion ?

EliseParadis

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