Is the pronunciation of the French alphabet the same in Quebec and in France? The quick answer is yes, except for one letter. Today, you’ll learn how to pronounce every letter in French and how to sing the alphabet song in that language. And last but not least, you’ll know which letter is pronounced differently in Quebec and in France!
Vowel Sounds in French
French vowels are fairly consistent across regions. The vowels A, E, I, O, and U each have distinctive sounds. For instance, the letter A is pronounced very openly, while E has a relaxed, neutral sound similar to the « uh » in English. The i is pronounced like the « ee » in « see, » but shorter. The O is round and clear, and U, which doesn’t have a direct English equivalent, requires a specific technique: start with an « ee » sound and project your lips to form a tight, high up « u. » This nuanced pronunciation is essential for mastering French accents.
Consonants in French: Two Basic Rules
The names of the consonants in French generally follow two rules. For instance, B, C, and D are pronounced with the addition of the « é » sound AFTERWARDS, making them « bé », « cé », and « dé ». Meanwhile, L, M and N are pronounced with the open « è » sound BEFORE the actual sound of the consonant, which gives us « èle », « ème » and « ène ».
Tips for French Orthograph
When trying to spell the name of letters like F (èfe) and X (ikse), we notice that the final E in the spelling is silent. That illustrates French’s most common pronunciation. The final E is written only to indicate that the previous consonant is actually pronounced (and not silent, like a lot of final consonants).
fait [fè] / faite [fèt]
grand [grã]/ grande [grãd]
galop [galo] / galope [galɔp]
Additionally, Q is almost always paired with U, forming a [k] sound as in « qui » or « quoi ».
A Common Mistake for English Speakers
Beware, English speakers : don’t mix up G and J, as their names are somehow the opposite in French and in English.
Moreover, do not forget that in French, you have to take away the « d » sound at the beginning of these two letters : « gé » and « gi » rather than « djee » and « djay ».
The Quebec Accent: The Unique R
In Québec, the modern R tends to be softer than in French’s historical portrayal or than in some other regions, such as Maghreb, for instance.
While most French letters are pronounced similarly in both France and Quebec, the letter R stands out. (We are talking about the name of the letter here, not the actual sound the consonant makes.) In France, the letter R is pronounced with a stable È sound (ère). In Quebec, the È generally features a diphthong—a blend of « a » and « è » sounds that changes as you pronounce it. This difference makes the final « ère » sounds in words such as « mère » or « affaire » less stable and more fluid when pronounced by a Quebecer rather than a French person.
Understanding these distinctions can enrich your appreciation of French accents and improve your pronunciation skills. For more insights, check out my complete Quebec’s Pronunciation Course or my video on 5 essential Québécois words. Thanks for tuning in!