How wide spread geographically is the use of "eh" in Canada? Is it found in all socio-economic groups? Also, do Francophones use it, as in Vive le Quebec libre, eh?
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12-16-02, 07:18 PM
maiku
Wonderful question, Jr. I live close to Ontario, Canada, myself, and this use of "eh" has affected many speakers of English in my area, not all of them satirists.

I haven't yet heard any "Francophone" Canadians saying this, though I've visited Quebec and Montreal. Babthrower, though not immediately from French-speaking Canada, may be able to enlighten us on this subject. As could Newnickname, perhaps.

In the Belgian-French of Hercule Poirot this interjection is spelled hein, which is practically the same thing. So maybe it had spread a lot farther and a lot earlier than you or I might think, considering that Agatha Christie knew about it even in the 20's and 30's.

big grin

12-16-02, 10:14 PM
juanruiz
Quand il s'agit de l'anglais, maiku, je ne crois pas que les Quebecois sachent rire.

When it comes to English, maiku, I don't think the Quebecois know how to laugh.

And hein really looks like Flemish to me.

12-17-02, 01:36 AM
babthrower
Actually, Maiku, I think we caught it from French Canadians. But we maudit Anglaises are congenitally unable to pronounce hein properly. The closest we can come is Eh.

And Juan, I gotta tell you, nobody enjoys a good laugh as much as a French Canadian does. Don't judge by their political spokespersons. Lest you be judged by yours.

12-17-02, 08:25 AM
juanruiz
babs, I was referring specifically to their language laws and those who wander around enforcing them.

12-17-02, 10:08 AM
maiku
JR: Hercule Poirot speaking Vlams? Ma foi! C'est incroyable, celá. Hein? wink

12-17-02, 02:05 PM
babthrower
Their politicians are an unattractive lot. But then, whose aren't? Yes, the language fascism is unconstitutional, but it only bothers those non-French-speakers who live in Quebec.

Here in B.C., one often sees signs in Chinese only, or some other (non-official) language only. There is probably a muniscipal law that a place of business must display the business name in an official language. But if there is, it's ignored.

12-17-02, 02:27 PM
maiku

quote:Originally posted by babthrower: There is probably a muniscipal [sic] law that a place of business must display the business name in an official language. But if there is, it's ignored, [eh?]


cool

12-17-02, 03:10 PM
babthrower
Oops! Write 50 times: I must use spellchecker.

12-20-02, 03:43 PM
juanruiz
Now would someone answer my original question?

12-20-02, 05:10 PM
babthrower
Juan, I refuse to break with tradition! We never answer the original question. We just use it as a jumping-off point for self-indulgent little excursions. If you want an actual answer to an actual question, go to the Canadian Government information site. On second thought, you'll probably do better here.

12-20-02, 05:34 PM
juanruiz
Gee, babs, do you think I can get to talk to JC himself? I need info on investing in hotels and golf courses.

12-21-02, 02:55 AM
babthrower
Sure. Hey, he's got a fabulous bridge -- the Jonquière, it's aluminum and at 163 tons weighs only 1/3 of what a steel one would weigh, it's unique in the world and, built in 1950, practically brand new. Yours for a song.

12-21-02, 08:27 AM
juanruiz
What I really wanted, babs, was a chance to replace my aging Sea King helicopter which I wouldn't be caught dead in now (oops, poor choice of words). Wait a minute, that's right, Jean cancelled them.

12-22-02, 12:11 AM
mozart56
I really enjoyed that exchange between you three guys,looks like there's a new slang word appearing everey day in all languages.!

I would like to add, if you don't mind, that French Canadian replacement for the "Hey" (English Canadian) and the "Hein" (French Europeen)is "HAN" or "TSÉ"pronounced (TSAY) the last one meaning "You know".

[This message was edited by mozart56 on 12-22-02 at 12:19 AM.]

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,