After the charter in 1988, what was the impact on language signs and identity?

• A. The law can ban English on signs.
• B. The law can require French to be more prominent but cannot allow English.
• C. The law cannot require French to be more prominent than English.
• D. The law can require French to be more prominent, while allowing English to be used in addition.

Answer: (D)

Language signs shape how a community sees itself and how identity is expressed in public space. After the charter in 1988, laws can require French to be more prominent on signs, which helps protect and promote the French-speaking community's presence and culture. At the same time, these rules can still allow English to be used in addition, so people who rely on or prefer English can understand and access information. This balance keeps the public sphere accessible in both languages while giving priority to one language to reinforce its cultural identity. In practice, that means signs can emphasize French, but English isn’t banned and may appear alongside. So the best answer reflects both prominence for French and the allowance of English as well.