An appreciation for bilingualism
From Bonjour House preschool to grade 12 graduation at Vanier Collegiate I studied and learned in Canada’s both official languages. My parents, having had no background or understanding of the French language were approached by a lady when I was just about to enter preschool that preached to them the amazing opportunities and benefits parents can give their children by enrolling them in French Immersion. Having had no really good reason why not to send me to Bonjour House my parents decided it would be a good thing for me.
Looking back now I only recall a few nights in which I became frustrated because my dad was unable to help me with my homework. I think for many parents who only speak one of Canada’s official languages, the fear of not being able to help their children with their homework is a deciding factor that turns them away from deciding on whether or not French Immersion School would be a good idea. For me learning French was just another thing I had to learn. To be quiet honest it wasn’t until about grade five that I realized other children on my block were not learning French like me. I don’t recall every complaining about doing my subject areas in French, although my father might say different, I remember being quite proud of my French Immersion class in high school because we were a tight group and known as really nice kids. We had a bond that other students didn’t and we were often quite proud.
In the summer leading into to grade 11 I decided to do a six week summer work exchange to Quebec. When I arrived to Quebec to realize that my host family new no word of English, not even yes, you can image how terrified I was. I was not very confident in my French at this point in my life. Although we were a proud bunch of French Immersion students, we were often caught speaking English among ourselves in class, not very beneficial to our French communicating skills. I was nervous, but the summer turned into an experience of a life time. Being fully immersed for six whole weeks in the French language turned out to be the most beneficial educational experiences I have ever had. When I returned from Quebec however, it didn’t take long before my French language speaking skills had lost the improvement. Just like anything else, practise makes perfect, and this was something I didn’t do often enough.
After graduation I found that I did not use my French very often. Although I do recall a time when I was working at the Chateau Lake Louise and I was approached by non English speaking individuals seeking directions. It was amazing to be how fast and right in that instance my French came back to me. I was thankful that day for having had the opportunity to be able to communicate with this couple from France, and I could tell they were appreciative.
To this day I still encounter many times where I am grateful to be able to understand and communicate in both official languages. Although I am not currently pursuing my studies in French I often mention to my fellow teachers in training how beneficial and grateful I am that my parents enrolled me in the French Immersion system. I do believe that having graduated with a French Immersion Diploma I have received a very well rounded education and I have gained a deep understanding and appreciation of our countries bilingualism.
I would like to know your thoughts about French Immersion Education. Do you think it is important for us as Canadians to be able to speak and communicate in both official languages? What are your thoughts? Do you ever wish you could understand or communicate in another language? If you could learn a second language would it be French or another language? Why or Why not?
“The tie of language is perhaps the strongest and the most durable that can unite mankind.”
Alexis de Tocqueville
June 5th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Hey Leanne. This is a nice recollection of your experience with another language. I never took my core french seriously in school. There was even a time when I wanted to learn German in University and despite my best efforts I have retained very little. I was always a little envious of the immersion kids and others that can speak a variety of languages. I think part of the problem with learning a language is finding a time and place to use it. You’re are fortunate to have this skill as it will open more doors for you as a teacher! Have you thought about whether you may put your children in immersion in the future?
June 8th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I’ve asked others to comment. All I can say, is I WISH I would have had or taken this same opportunity. I admire people who have.
June 8th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I think the opportunity to learn language in meaningful context and as a vehicle for thinking, learning and communication is powerful and rare enough to be greatly appreciated. I studied French and Spanish for 9 years in public schools in the states and do not have near the linguistic or cultural proficiency my 6 year old does from her 3 year experience so far in a Spanish/English dual immersion program. I am not familiar with French immersion, but I would imagine like any philosophy of schooling… there are great ones, average ones and not-so-great ones, but the underlying tenet itself… that language is for communication across culture and thought and ultimately supports learning, well… my greatest hope would be multi-lingual schooling for all, As far as my beliefs, action speaks loudly: I would not miss this opportunity for my children.
June 11th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
I have often wondered how students feel about their french immersion experiences. I think it is definitely an asset to speak another language but wonder how difficult it would be for students who need extra help with their homework- I guess tutoring might solve that problem. It was interesting to hear about your experience working in Quebec for a summer and how it affected your french language skills. The one time I felt I really needed to know French was when was in Montreal-kinda sad it is not used more often here. I think I would have learned core French much better if it focused more on oral communication, and there was a context in which to use it.