Question de langue
A survey shows that few Canadians outside Quebec know French but most would like to be able to and most love the idea of their children learning the language. Three-quarters would like to learn the language, and a similar number believes it would be personally fulfilling and career-furthering for their children to be bilingual.(...)
Instead of bilingualism being weakened or replaced following government moves toward official multiculturalism, the poll found that immigrants value Canada's bilingual character, which they believe makes the country more welcoming and hospitable.
"This is crucial, because it confirms the relevance of official bilingualism to new Canadians and its compatibility with multiculturalism," research co-director Andrew Parkin said in a statement. [seattlepi.nwsource.com]
Today, new Canadians in Quebec are increasingly trilingual, more than 3 million anglophones say they are bilingual, there are 150,000 francophones outside Quebec in French language schools, and there are 325,000 students in French immersion, which does not include those in various other French programs.
(...)
This is a major triumph. We set out in the early '70s to change the country's linguistic status and we have done that. It is a success for public policy. For public education. For the willpower of parents and students. For organizations like Canadian Parents for French and for all the remarkable francophone organizations across the country.
(...)
Perhaps the most urgent need today is to carry our success with French in elementary and high schools on to the post-secondary level. [thestar.com]
N'est ce pas qu'on est bien dans ce pays !
