Quebecer gives French lessons on TikTok
Posted August 22, 2022 11:49 pm.
Last Updated August 22, 2022 11:57 pm.
Want to learn how to speak French? A Quebec TikToker is giving lessons to his almost 300,000 followers, posting the video tutorials since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“Apparently there’s people that want to learn French from all over the world,” said Nicolas Dion, also known as @french.canadian.nicolas on TikTok.
“I’ve always liked languages in general, I’ve traveled a lot,” he added. “But I just (create video lessons) to help, to be honest.”
Dion briefly studied languages and is now a business man.
His hobby began when he wanted to improve his English, making his way to a language exchange meetup group.
He was then asked if he could help others with their French.
Quebec TikToker is giving French lessons to his almost 300,000 followers.
When the pandemic began he wanted to continue helping virtually, discovering TikTok.
Surprised of the thousands of others who also wanted to learn through his videos.
“I’ve heard, even like teachers, professor are following me, using my lessons to help their students,” said Dion. “I’m very grateful about that as well.”
“I’m a bit surprised, to be honest,” he added.
From the United States to the United Kingdom, Dion is grateful that he gets to share his knowledge. Including sharing it with fellow Quebecers where language is top of mind for many with Bill 96, the tightening of the French language law, and the latest Statistics Canada report showing that the proportion of people who mainly speak French at home declined in nearly every province and territory, including Quebec.
“I know it’s a sensitive topic for a lot of French speakers,” said Dion. “I know a lot of people might or might not agree with what I’m saying right now, but I think we should not be afraid of like the diversity, immigration, and all the culture that people bring to us and what makes Montreal’s unique.”
READ MORE: Montreal’s Little Maghreb a symbol of Canada’s changing linguistic landscape
His favorite part about making the tutorial videos: the connections it allows people to make.
“What matters if you can communicate with your grandmother, this is good,” explained Dion. “If you can communicate better with your partner, this is good.”
