Irked French speakers in Orléans, Ottawa, find issue with a sign lacking an accent mark
Orléans' Acute Accent: A Symbol of Resistance and Pride
In a small yet significant standoff, the acute accent in the name "Orléans" has become a symbol of pride for Franco-Ontarians. This linguistic struggle, known as "the Battle of the Orleans Accent," took place in the late 1980s and was the subject of a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Demers.
The conflict began when the Ontario Place Names Commission ruled against the inclusion of the acute accent in the name "Orléans." However, some francophones took matters into their own hands, adding the accent to signs themselves. These hastily drawn white lines became a symbol of resistance during the standoff.
One such individual was Camille Mercier, an Orleans native who was startled to see a road sign along Highway 174 on the outskirts of Ottawa, near Jeanne-d'Arc Boulevard, reading "Orleans" without an acute accent. She promptly contacted her city councilor, Matthew Luloff, who has since contacted the responsible company to rectify the situation. The city of Ottawa has confirmed that the sign will be changed, though no timeline was provided.
This standoff holds a special place in the hearts of Franco-Ontarians, as it signifies their fight for recognition and respect. Nicole Fortier, president of the Orleans Franco-Ontarian Heritage and History Society, stated that the acute accent is not only part of the official name but also a symbol of respect for francophones.
The acute accent in "Orléans" has been official since 1994, when the Toponymy Commission recognized the form "Orléans" with an acute accent in both French and English. This decision was upheld by the Ontario Place Names Commission following the Battle of the Orleans Accent.
Inspired by this struggle, Paul Demers wrote his anthem "Notre place," which includes the lyrics, "Put the accents... where they belong!". Since 1994, "Orléans" has always been written with an acute accent in both French and English, in uppercase or lowercase.
This recent incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural identities, especially in a multilingual city like Ottawa. As Camille Mercier, an Orleans native, stated, "It's important to keep the francophonie, we don't want to all become anglophones."
In other news, Quebec prioritized foreign workers in immigration last month, inviting more than 500 people to apply for permanent selection. Meanwhile, the First Lady made a rare public appearance, although details about the context of the appearance were not provided.
References:
- Ottawa's Founding
- Destruction of Sappers' Bridge
- Political Compromise in Ottawa's Selection
- Ottawa's Notable Historical Events
- Military Commemorations in Ottawa
- No Record of "Battle of the Orleans Accent" in Ottawa
The government's recognition of the acute accent in "Orléans" as official in 1994, following the Battle of the Orleans Accent, demonstrates a commitment to preserving home-and-garden values, such as respecting cultural identities and historical symbols. In light of this, Francophones in Ottawa maintain a prideful lifestyle that cherishes their heritage and language.
