Diverse Canada - Is multilingualism an asset?



Sema Burney, CA, MBA



I am born and raised in Quebec where bilingualism is the norm, at least for those living in Montreal. Despite the tensions between certain groups, my experience is that speaking more than one language is most certainly an asset. I have additional job opportunities and possibilities than those who are unilingual. There are challenges, however as the francophone community strives to ensure the preservation of the French language in Canada. Most do not realize but Canada has two official languages (although most of the rest of the county cannot speak French) I am sympathetic to the cause because without some stringent language laws Quebec would probably be engulfed in English. Anglophone and Francophones have distinctly different cultures beyond language - including the types of music, cinema, humour etc. Any marketing agency here will tell you that you cannot simply translate a commercial from English to French. The cultures are very different. By understanding these two languages I feel that I have a front row seat in experiencing the beauties of these two cultures - definitely an asset for me. My children are learning both languages at home and have no problem switching back and forth. It's pretty amazing.

-Sema Burney, CA, MBA

Our Society: Human Diversity in Canada


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