In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

Bilingualism in Canada

(Globe and Mail) McGill University is partnering with the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales de Montreal to offer a bilingual Executive MBA program.  Classes in the program will switch between English and French, depending on the professor’s language of choice. The program uses faculty from McGill and HEC Montreal as well as guest lecturers.  One of the program’s academic directors, Louis Hebert, said he wanted to offer a bilingual program to reflect the realities of life in Montreal.

1.

The Royal Commission, where it all began

Canadian Encyclopedia
This is an encyclopedic entry on the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism that took place from 1963 to 1969. It explains why the commission was needed, and how the commission unfurled. The site includes links to other entries, including biographies of the two cochairmen of the commission. Links to important acts that were established through the work of the commission are also included. The site also includes photos from the commission.

2.

Bilingualism through the years

Heritage Canada
This government site offers a timeline of the rise and development of bilingualism in Canada. The timeline begins in 1867 with the British North America Act and its insistence on the use of both French and English in parliamentary records.  The timeline continues right up to 2003, with the Action Plan for Official Languages meant to further Canada’s bilingualism. The site provides useful links to government documents and parliamentary acts.

3.

Want to raise a reader? Teach your child French.

York University
This summary of a study conducted by York University researchers suggests that children who are brought up learning more than one language learn to read more quickly than children who are only taught one language. The site offers an interesting argument supporting bilingualism in schools, as it differs from the traditional argument, which focuses on the cultural implications of linguistic duality.

4.

Broadcasting bilingualism

CBC Archives
The CBC archives has a section that offers a historical look at Canadians’ attitudes toward bilingualism. The site includes video clips from television broadcasts and audio clips from the radio. The clips are from CBC shows ranging from 1963 to 1982.  The clips include speeches given by Canadian officials as well as streeters that offer a wide range of public opinions on Quebec and bilingualism. The clips also examine the separatist movement in Quebec.

5.

Public opinion of bilingualism

Carleton University Library
This report prepared by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada examines recent public perception of bilingualism in the country.  The study offers insight into the way Canadian’s view bilingualism today, and their own commitment to learning Canada’s two official languages.  The report also looks at different aspects of official bilingualism, and how support varies between these different aspects.