„I suppose some people still aren’t over the Plains of Abraham“? Sprach- und Kulturgrenzen zwischen ruraler Exotik und postkolonialer Transkulturalität

Abstract

Throughout history, the linguistic boundary between English and French in Canada has been a recurring source of tension. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham marked a turning point in the continent’s linguistic landscape in favour of English, while subsequent pivotal events shifted the balance back to the benefit of French. Drawing on the film comedy Bon Cop, Bad Cop, this article explores how linguistic and cultural divides continue to resonate, often disguised as light-hearted banter. It examines the evolution of Quebec’s linguistic boundaries from concrete geographical and legal perspectives to more abstract mental dimensions. While political borders may appear relatively stable, language boundaries are shown to be fluid, multidimensional, and deeply interwoven with cultural identities. Reflecting a transcultural dynamic, these boundaries challenge static notions of identity and reveal a complex interplay of languages and cultures in contemporary Quebec.