CHAPTER III: PROMOTION OF LINGUISTIC DUALITY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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“LEADERSHIP IS THE ART OF MOBILIZING OTHERS TO WANT TO STRUGGLE FOR SHARED ASPIRATIONS.”
JAMES KOUZES AND BARRY POSNER
The Parliament of Canada showed solid judgment in 1969 when it adopted the first Official Languages Act which provided linguistic duality with a solid legal basis.
This act subsequently led to a long series of changes that allowed Canada to achieve greater equality with respect to its official languages. The amendment to the Act made in November 2005 clarified the Government’s obligations regarding Canadians’ language rights. Today, federal institutions must take positive measures to promote linguistic duality and support the development of official language communities.
Linguistic duality, however, is more than a matter of rights. It is a source of wealth for all of Canada, not only because it contributes to diversity, but also because of the economic and social benefits it brings with it, both individually and collectively. Official languages are an essential component of Canada’s identity and history and are apparent in many dimensions of Canadian life, be it trade, cultural industries, diplomatic relations, the media or the dialogue between members of the two language communities.
In its report Languages: The Next Generation,1 the Nuffield Foundation noted in 2000 that knowledge of other languages should be considered a key skill alongside literacy and numeracy, given its direct contribution to competitiveness, intercultural tolerance and social cohesion.
| English is not enough “We are fortunate to speak a global language but, in a smart and competitive world, exclusive reliance on English leaves the UK vulnerable and dependent on the linguistic competence and the goodwill of others.”2 |
Canada can find inspiration in this message of openness. Promoting English and French in Canadian society is a way of increasing human capital and knowledge, which are invaluable assets in the new economy.
Canada's dual linguistic heritage means it has a head start at the international level; however, it must learn how to take full advantage of this asset. Does Canada do enough to promote official languages and foster the development of official language communities. Is it doing enough to provide young people with the opportunity to move from one linguistic universe to the other through the use of the two languages in their family setting, at school or in their neighbourhood?
Official language communities are part of the Canadian experience and are one of Canada’s most valuable assets. Their history, however, has been somewhat rocky, marked by its share of ups and downs. In many cases, the willingness of individuals to live in an official language community has not, on its own, been sufficient to ensure the development of the community. It has taken collective will, government support and even intervention by the courts for official language communities to flourish in their language and fully contribute to Canadian society. Progress has definitely been made in this respect, but there is still work to be done.
This chapter addresses the many issues associated with the promotion of linguistic duality and the vitality of official language communities.
Notes
1 The Nuffield Foundation, Languages: The Next Generation (London, 2000).
