This book, in English and French, explores the concepts of assimilation and community vitality, as well as statistical evidence regarding the vitality of Francophone communities outside Quebec. It highlights trends and seeks to clarify certain issues related to the current demographic reality of Francophone communities outside Quebec. The two interrelated concepts of language community and vitality and assimilation are discussed. This volume is divided into five chapters and a conclusion. Chapter one defines the concepts and the theory of community vitality in Canada and around the world. Chapter two gives a broad description of the context of language policy at the federal level. Chapter three explores the use and concepts of assimilation and vitality within the public debate in Canada. Chapter four focuses on the demographic data regarding the present health of Francophone communities outside Quebec. The fifth chapter deals with issues of youth, education, and economic attainment of Francophones from the point of view of the importance and consequences of access to education in one's first language. The conclusion offers final remarks on lessons learned and suggests points of departure for future research. Two appendices contain two official Canadian government documents: "Language Rights, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms" and "Part VII, The Official Languages Act (1988)." (Contains 37 references.) (KFT)