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allophone

In Quebec, an allophone is someone whose first language or language of use is neither English nor French. The term is also sometimes used in other parts of Canada. It is formed from the Greek roots allos, meaning other, and phone, meaning sound or voice.

Compare the terms anglophone and francophone, which designate people whose first or adoptive languages are English and French, respectively.

One is said to be an allophone if he or she speaks neither french nor english at home with the family or "on the phone".

The number of allophones in Quebec has increased in recent years. Most are immigrants from Asia, Europe, and Africa.

by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005

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