Interview with Bernard

Originally from Quebec, Canada, Bernard came to Devon 35 years ago. Having come to Europe to travel, he met his future wife and was invited to visit the UK for the first time. Eventually leaving Canada behind and moving to Hereford, he now resides in Exmouth where he lives with his wife and children. Having grown up in French Canada, Bernard spoke very little English. Upon moving to the UK, he immersed himself in the language as much as possible, forcing himself to speak it at any opportunity. Today, he speaks both French and English fluently but describes how infrequently he uses his French language. With two brothers and a sister still residing in Canada, speaking to them over the phone represents the rare occasions of when he speaks his native language. In Devon, Bernard worked as a nurse at Exeter Hospital before he retired last year. He has always found people to be friendly and polite in Devon. Nevertheless, at the same time, in his position as an immigrant, he feels people can show some hostility towards him. This is especially pertinent in Devon, where he has only ever met one other person from Quebec. Consequently, he hopes the Transcultural Devon project can bring more awareness of how immigrants live in Devon. Bernard brought two objects with him to the interview. The first, a cup branded by the company Hydro-Québec, was given to him by his brother and reminds him of the many rivers and dams Quebec is famous for. Secondly, brought a book by René Lévesque, a politician who advocated for the separation of Quebec from the rest of Canada. Both objects remind him of his pride to be Quebecois and he hopes that the heritage, culture and French language in Quebec resist the obstacles being faced.