In the second episode of Le Québec parle aux Français, we learn more about the complex relationship between the French and the Quebecois throughout history. We also learn about the evolution of the French language in Quebec—according to a former Prime Minister of Quebec, the province even "spoke French before France"!

The situation of the French language in Quebec is controversial and complex. Montreal was an English-speaking city until 1920, and it wasn't until the passage of Law 101 in 1977 that French became the official language of Quebec. According to some of the interviewees in this video, Québécois French is in a precarious position once again, with municipal signage and corporate names in Montreal reverting to English, as well as shopkeepers who refuse to speak French.

Regular bus riders from the Essonne, a suburb south of Paris, share their views on public transport. It appears that some people behave badly on buses and in the subway, which can give tourists a bad impression. So the next time you catch a bus, don't forget to give up your seat for the elderly!

One might think that the push to remove anglicisms from the French language would be stronger in France, but the larger movement to "purify" French is actually happening in Quebec. Many Québécois worry that the French language is endangered in Canada, and the Quebec government has taken measures to preserve it by inventing new words instead of borrowing from English. That's why an email is still un email in France, but un courriel in Quebec.

French Canada is a cultural mosaic that is still exploring its identity. Some French Canadians feel more American than French, while others feel more of an allegiance to their French roots. Somehow, a Quebecois nation is emerging out of all this, but not without some growing pains.

In part 6 of Le Québec parle aux Français, the interviewees compare and contrast the immigrant situation in France and Quebec. France, being a smaller country, creates additional pressure for immigrants, while in Quebec, immigrants do rather well. Later, Olivier treats us to a little song he wrote himself.

Joanna just moved into a new apartment, which is slightly bigger than her old one, and she invited us inside to show us around. She uses some essential household-related vocabulary in her tour, so keep your eyes open for any words you don't already know!

Alessandro goes to the flea market to interview the owners of a charming vintage boutique specializing in clothes and accessories from the 1880s to the 1980s. The owners even dress the part in their gorgeous costumes.

When asked about their demands as French citizens, most of the women interviewed in this video call for more gender equality in the workplace and in everyday life. One of the women also stresses the importance of going beyond symbolic celebrations of women's rights (like International Women's Day) toward more concrete political activism.

In part seven of this series on Quebec, Olivier focuses on something that is dear to the hearts of many Québécois: the majestic Saint Lawrence River. He also explores their relationship with money and the way they conduct business. Olivier asks whether it's easier to do business in Quebec or in France. Quebec, it seems, offers more opportunities for companies, with fewer regulations and restrictions, while France remains a very productive country despite the thirty-five-hour workweek.

In part 8 of Le Québec parle aux Français, Olivier discusses the cost of maintaining a high standard of living. Is France living beyond its means? Heavy taxation and full employment would go some way toward balancing the national budget and covering the cost of welfare programs.

In this video, Alessandro goes to the Saint-Ouen flea market, where he talks to a merchant who sells a wide variety of treasures and who believes that everything can be a work of art. Make sure to stop by the next time you're in Paris!

The Micro-Trottoir team asks people on the street what it means to age well. For most of them, aging well is staying healthy and being young at heart, not to mention having no wrinkles!

Quebec may never answer the vexing question: Should Quebec remain part of Canada or not? While opinions are divided, Quebecois don't necessarily show the same passion as the French when debating hot issues.

Joanna is proud to show us her neighborhood. Follow her around her new apartment, her favorite bar, the pretty little garden where children love to play, and learn some useful everyday vocabulary.