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Canadian linguists call for national spelling in government documents
Language experts and editors have urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to use Canadian English spelling in official communications, citing national identity and historical consistency.
Background on Canadian English
Canadian English has been the standard in federal documents for decades. It blends influences from both American and British English due to the country's geography and colonial history. The language includes unique terms like "toque" for a winter hat and "washroom" instead of "bathroom" or "loo."
One key difference from British English is the use of "z" in words like "analyze" instead of "analyse." However, Canadian English retains British spellings like "colour" with a "u." Terms like "tire" (not "tyre") are also distinctly Canadian.
British spellings spotted in recent government documents
Linguists and editors recently identified British spellings such as "globalisation" and "catalyse" in documents from Carney's government, including the federal budget. The discoveries prompted an open letter dated 11 December urging the prime minister to adhere to Canadian English standards.
The letter, shared with BBC News, argues that using non-Canadian spelling could create confusion about national standards. It describes Canadian English as "a matter of our national history, identity and pride."
"If governments start to use other systems for spelling, this could lead to confusion about which spelling is Canadian."
Open letter from Canadian linguists and editors
Experts weigh in on the debate
Professor Stefan Dollinger of the University of British Columbia, a signatory to the letter, told the BBC that language reflects identity. He criticized the prime minister's office for potentially reversing decades of linguistic progress since Canada's colonial past.
"It seems kind of counter-productive that the Prime Minister's Office would now walk the clock back by half-a-century or more," he said.
Kaitlin Littlechild, president of Editors Canada, noted two instances of British English in Carney's budget and an October news release following a Washington visit. She questioned whether the usage was accidental or intentional.
Another signatory, JK Chambers of the University of Toronto noted Carney's long residence in the UK, including his tenure as Bank of England governor. While acknowledging the prime minister's British influences, Chambers added: "So far, bless him, he has not resorted to 'gaol' for 'jail.'"
Government response pending
The BBC has reached out to Carney's office for comment but has not yet received a response.
