Do people (the patrons) in bars in Montreal speak English?

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Hillbillies are...

Yes, Montreal is very bilingual, almost everyone speaks English.

Lynne D

99.99% of Montrealers are at least bilingual, and many of us are trilingual. We only too happy to try to help tourists in whatever language we can.

jenna j

just avoid saying the phrase "voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir..." to the huge bouncer at the pub door unless you really mean it.

ozgeonemli

In montreal people can speak both english and french but quebec city it is a little different.

underoath0101

I think they speak french

rhaaa

Almost everyone in Montreal understands English. Most of Montrealers speak it fluently.

You have fewer chances meeting someone who speaks fluently in English the further east you are from St-Laurent blvd. The same can be said if you are on the two street corners of Chinatown or in "Bombaytown" on Jean-Talon west or in any other immigrant ghetto.

A good advice is to always start your conversations with a French phrase. French-speaking people will immediately recognize you are English speaking and will answer you in English if they can. It can be considered rude by some to only use English.

Speaking to your friends in English in the streets or bars is not rude at all. There are litteraly dozens of languages spoken in this city. Be aware that EVERYBODY will understand at least part of what you are saying in English, so it is not a safe option for sharing dismissive comments incognito with your friends (you might want to try Klingon).

If somebody yells at you in a public space because you speak in English to another English speaker (very unlikely):

1- he/she is probably suffering from mental disorder or plain idiocy;

2- you can yell back if you feel you have the cojones; preferably an insult in French... that is if you like picking up fights; if not just ignore the ****** and try to pick-up that girl you saw in the back. You have no idea how a clumsy anglophone trying his best at French is effective on some Quebecoises...

LARCO

YES YES YES YES

blacksheepmatt

It really depends. Most people in Quebec speak/understand a little bit of English. I can say though if you make an attempt to speak French, (know a few standard phrases, like how are you, how much is this, how do I find this, etc.) they would be more willing to try English once they see that you really don't speak French.

nothing

From what I've read in travel literature about Montreal, I think English as a means of communications will be the least of your concerns. The city has a very high gay population so be prepared for the universal language of brotherhood.

SFdude

They do speak English (and you can be sure that most people you meet will understand exactly what you're saying). But whether they choose to speak English or not is another matter altogether.

Keep in mind that Montreal is in Quebec and officially Francophone. You should start conversations by asking them in French to switch languages or try to order a drink in French (with a few simple terms like "Allo, parle vous Anglais?"; "Bonsoir, je voudrais la biere/vin, s'il vous plait")... rather than simply presume it's OK to dive in with English. It's considered rude.

Goddess of Grammar

Some do, some don't.

The bars on Crescent Street and Bishop street seem to attract the highest proportion of English-speakers. Next-highest is maybe around St-Laurent and Rachel. The further east you go, the less English you'll hear, generally speaking. I was once yelled at for speaking English (just with my boyfriend) on St-Denis Street...but only once.

Poutine

most can speak English

savagescorpio

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