French as a “Common Language” and the Recognition of Multiple Linguistic Sovereignties in Quebec

Abstract Quebec sociopolitical context is currently characterized by two distinct political undertakings: on the one hand, a modernization of the Charter of the French Language , and on the other, a desire to establish a nation-to-nation relationship with the Indigenous peoples whose territory lies within Quebec. Although compatible in theory, these two projects are in tension in practice. This article thus proposes a critical analysis of the notion of a “common language” (“langue commune”) at the heart of Quebec’s language policies. This article argues that it relies on a conception of linguistic justice ill-suited for plurinational societies such as Quebec.