The differences in the French version of The Simpsons are oddly fascinating

The Simpsons has permeated just about every part of the world during its tenure as the longest-running sitcom of all time.

While its trademark brand of slapstick comedy and catchphrases like “D’oh!” might translate fairly universally, other types of wordplay can provide serious challenges for those tasked with translating the series.

And it turns out such decisions can be incredibly divisive.

The differences between the French and Quebec versions of the show have been detailed by Twitter user Matt Tomic, and they’re oddly fascinating.

As Mr Tomic explains, the French version uses a fairly homogenised Parisian accent, while the Quebec sound artists were more adventurous.

While using different regional accents sounds more challenging, it in fact gives the Quebec creators more to play with when trying to adapt to the English version.

This scene of Principle Skinner cooking Superintendent Chalmers "smoked hams" instead of "smoked clams" after a kitchen debacle could clearly be challenging to translate effectively.

But Mr Tomic explains how in the Quebec version, the problem is deftly dealt with.

Now for what Mr Tomic describes as "the Quebec Simpsons Masterpiece".

When faced with an episode that used the French language itself as a narrative tool, the Canadian team were again able to fall back on the differences between French and French Canadian.

More: This parody of the Simpsons opening credits is as bleak as you'll see