All my teachers in French throughout middle school and university (Canada) were France French. In college, my first TA was Quebecois French & it took me a few classes before I actually started understanding what she was saying. It’s a very difficult accent and I don’t think it’s a snobbery thing - just requires extended exposure. By comparison Quebecois seem to more easily understand France French whether it’s because there’s more exposure through media or whatnot.
There’s a similar effect in the maritime with English btw - there’s plenty of North American, Australian, New Zealand, Irish, Scottish etc accents that can be difficult to understand even though they are native speakers.
To me, taking offense that someone doesn’t understand your accent is similar to someone who makes fun of someone else for their accent. It says more about you than the other person.
I agree, but no one is being offended by a frustrating but understandable "sorry I didn't catch you, can you please repeat?". It's very specific, very condescending fun which I've witnessed. Being Italian-Canadian anglophone from Montreal my French accent is very unique - mix of American and Italian and it usually sparks good conversation because they want to know where did this come from? My friends who are Quebecois, on the other hand, are subjected to all manner of mean-spirited ridicule, from the innocuous "aww you're so cute too down like that!" to "you must miss your moose blood when you visit"
I studied French French in school and eventually got to a point where I could follow along a bit to TV or music and have simple conversations. I remember Quebecois French being totally incomprehensible to me, though.
There’s a similar effect in the maritime with English btw - there’s plenty of North American, Australian, New Zealand, Irish, Scottish etc accents that can be difficult to understand even though they are native speakers.
To me, taking offense that someone doesn’t understand your accent is similar to someone who makes fun of someone else for their accent. It says more about you than the other person.