In western Quebec, the Anishinabeg have stayed very close to their ancestral roots and lifestyle. Most still use their Algonquian mother tongue, in which their name means "real people."

 

The Anishinabe language is part of the family of Algonquian languages. Among the nine (9) Anishinabe communities located in Quebec, Anishinabe is in constant contact with the French and English languages.

 

Even though the common language of the Algonquin people is Anishinabe, the fact remains that each community has its own dialect and expressions that are unique to it. Unlike other languages, its words express a clear and descriptive image of what the speaker want to convey.

 

The knowledge of the language is significantly stalling among the youth. Efforts are being made to ensure the preservation of the language, notably through the establishment of elementary school education programs.