The Office québécois de la langue française issued a compliance notice to Arthurs Nosh Bar in Montreal for using the word “nosh” on window signage [1, 2].
The action highlights the strict enforcement of Quebec’s Charter of the French Language, which requires French to be the predominant language on commercial signs. For business owners, failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant financial penalties.
Located at 1,230 Rue Saint-Denis, the restaurant was flagged because the word “nosh” is considered non-French and lacked a French translation on the glass [1, 2]. Under the province's rules, the use of non-French terms on commercial signage is prohibited unless accompanied by a French translation, Marie-Claude Bouchard said in a press release [1].
Armand Tremblay, the owner of Arthurs Nosh Bar, defended the choice of branding during an interview. He said the word “nosh” was chosen because it reflects the vibe of the brunch menu and that customers understand it [2].
While some reports describe the word as Yiddish, others identify it as English-borrowed slang [1, 2]. Regardless of its linguistic origin, the watchdog maintains that it does not meet the requirements for French predominance on public-facing displays.
If the establishment fails to bring the signage into compliance, it could face a fine of up to 5,000 CAD [1]. The notice serves as a warning that the linguistic identity of the city's commercial districts must align with provincial law, even for popular local eateries.
“The use of non-French terms on commercial signage is prohibited unless accompanied by a French translation.”
This incident underscores the ongoing tension between Montreal's multicultural commercial identity and the Quebec government's mandate to protect the French language. By targeting a specific term like 'nosh,' the OQLF signals that even widely understood slang or cultural loanwords are not exempt from the Charter of the French Language, potentially prompting other businesses to audit their signage to avoid steep fines.
