Press Release

New findings fuel Coalition's efforts to promote benefits of bilingualism in Saskatchewan

Written on: 2007-01-29

By: Rita Denis, Co-ordinator - Coalition for the promotion of the French Language and the Francophone Culture in Saskatchewan

Regina, January 29, 2007 - The Coalition for the Promotion of the French Language and the Francophone Culture in Saskatchewan, a group of organizations and companies from various sectors, has new statistics to better promote the benefits of learning the French language.

A study by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, a Coalition partner, shows that there is a need in Saskatchewan to promote the benefits of learning the French language and participating in the Francophone culture. This is precisely what the Coalition will be doing during its five-year mandate.

According to the study, 61% of respondents believe that English is the only language that people need to know in order to be successful Canada. The study also shows that Saskatchewan citizens are relatively unaware of the benefits of learning a second language.

Nonetheless, parents readily recognize that learning a second language can enhance skills development, personal growth and cultural diversity. Yet, are they aware that bilingualism has a positive impact on the first language learnt and on the development of the brain?  The study suggests a course of action to promote the benefits of bilingualism so that more people can take advantage of the numerous benefits. 

Rose-Marie Bouvier, President of Canadian Parents for French (CPF)-Saskatchewan and member of the Coalition, recognizes the study's usefulness. "Even today, a number of parents choose not to put their children in immersion programs due to misconceptions. For example, some people believe that their own lack of French skills will not allow them to help their children. CPF and the Coalition have information and a number of tools to support parents."  Ms. Bouvier adds that "there are only benefits in learning another language; you simply have to know how to meet the challenges." 

Barbara Riley, President of the Conseil scolaire fransaskois, is pleased to see that the members of the Coalition are moving in the right direction. "We need to dispel the misconceptions that exist and make people more aware of the added value and rewards that come from learning the French language."

According to Michel Dubé, President of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), the organization that represents Francophones in Saskatchewan: "Nearly 80 institutions, organizations and groups promote the growth of the French language every day. The Saskatchewan population as a whole would gain a lot from taking advantage of the opportunities that we have to offer."

The detailed picture described in the study French Culture and Learning French as a Second Language: Perceptions of the Saskatchewan Public will serve as a benchmark to measure progress as the Coalition implements its awareness campaign.

The members of the Coalition invite the public to view the results of the study on the Web site of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages: http://www.ocol-clo.gc.ca/.

- 30 -

Source:

Rita Denis, Co-ordinator

Coalition for the promotion of the French Language and the Francophone Culture in Saskatchewan

Telephone: 1-866-423-5859 or 306-423-5853

E-mail: coalition@sasktel.net

Return to listing