Concordia journalism alum recognized for research on Francophone media

How does one experience the profession of journalism in French-language media when one speaks “with” an accent? 

This is the question that has guided Clément Lechat’s (GrDip 23, MA 25) research over the last two years, and has landed him the 2026 Prix Acfas Relève - Congrès award in the social sciences category. 

Awarded by the Association canadienne-française pour l’avancement des sciences (Acfas) and sponsored by the Quebec Ministry of the French Language, the recognition celebrates the diverse research paths of five emerging student researchers across a wide range of disciplines.

Alongside the social sciences, the award also highlights research in health sciences, engineering and mathematics, as well as the arts, humanities, and education.

Lechat says he feels proud that his award in the social sciences category recognizes journalism studies.

“It is an honour for me that this prize is sponsored by Quebec’s Ministère de la langue française, because my research directly engages with questions surrounding linguistic diversity within la Francophonie and its media spheres.”

“Journalism often focuses on public-facing roles and professional performance, but journalists are also individuals with their personal stories, aspirations, and insecurities that intimately intersect with their careers.”

Lechat’s research looked at the lived experiences of journalists working in Quebec and Canadian French-language media who perceive themselves, or are perceived by others, as “having an accent.” 

He conducted in-depth virtual interviews with twelve journalists from diverse linguistic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds, and examined how they navigate a profession where language is highly scrutinized and is at the core of professional legitimacy and identity. 

“Linguists have long considered journalists to be the prime producers and communicators of ‘standard,’ or ‘quality’ language in society,” he explains. “But what about those who don't fit this mold and are still part of the profession?”

The findings, which have now been presented at six different conferences, show that journalists’ accents were often treated differently depending on the context, whether talking on air, with newsroom colleagues, or sources.

As a result, this affected their confidence and sense of belonging, but many also found ways to adapt, push back against language expectations, and even see their accents as a strength that helped them connect with audiences more authentically.

“Despite their differences, participants shared common experiences, such as being perceived as audibly different within journalism,” Lechat added.

During his studies at Concordia, Lechat was also involved in numerous initiatives, including a project that empowered citizens to document public meetings in their communities and the promotion of Francophone initiatives.

Lechat says this award is symbolic to him, as his research was on the French language and was conducted at a primarily English-language institution. 

“To me, it sends a strong message that institutions like Concordia can also foster and support French-language research,” he said.

Lechat, who has recently landed a web reporting position at Radio-Canada in Ottawa-Gatineau, says he hopes his research contributes to a broader reflection on the diversity that exists within the French language in Quebec and Canada. 

“Our voices are tied to much more than language alone,” he said. 

“Migration, rurality, disability, class, culture, and professions all influence how we speak and how we are perceived and should be accounted for in the way we relate to each other in journalism.”