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What do you think about second-language immersion programs? Here's what readers answered to our question asked in the fall 2007 issue of Beyond Words. We thank everyone who took a few moments to answer. You can also read the comments that we received in French. Your feedback: I think that every Canadian child should be taught both official languages from the day they enter the public school system. My son is completely bilingual. He went through the immersion program in public school and as a result had no difficulty with the language when he studied in France during his time at university. My daughter, on the other hand, because we moved from one area to another (early immersion starts vs late immersion starts) missed the opportunity to be involved in an immersion program. This will put her at a disadvantage when she is finished university and starts looking for a job. If we are to be a truly bilingual nation, then we must teach ALL our children both official languages. That means that French-speaking children must go to school in English and English-speaking children must be educated in French. Remove the language barrier. Perhaps then we will better understand what we are talking about. Nancy I know that I made the greatest strides in improving FLS skills the summer I took a 6 wk all-day French Immersion Course at Algonquin College (before I joined the Federal Government). For those of us who learn best by doing (without distraction), I think that Second Language immersion is great, if the absent person's work can be covered off without impossible long-term strain on those taking up the extra duties for an extended time ... and that every effort should be made via corporate culture / initiatives to find a way to alleviate impossible strain on those behind so that the immersion opportunity can happen. Barbara They are core to a bilingual Canada. The young Canadians that graduate from these programs are open-minded, enriched and enriching. Deanne Second-language immersion programs are great. I only wish they were around when I was growing up. Both of my daughters have benefited from French immersion here in Surrey, B.C. One has recently graduated with a double Dogwood Certificate and is currently studying journalism at Carleton University and one is in Grade 11 working towards her double Dogwood Certificate. Living here on the west coast has its perks but being exposed to the French language is not one of them. Being able to access the French immersion program has given my daughters a greater understanding of their country, historically and culturally. Knowing another language, especially French, gives them opportunities around the world, not only here in Canada. It is a great program and I would recommend it to everyone. Charlene |
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