I never really understood the hoopla that's created when somebody suggests that new immigrants learn either English of French. Well, sort of. Many times, the idea is floated around by self-styled 'conservatives' whom are more concerned, or comfortable with, the idea of us and them. I can no doubt understand that the reaction, to their reaction, is to be defensive. Anybody who's ever been on the receiving end of vulgarities while being besieged with banshee-like demands can tell you, you catch more fly's with honey than you do with vinegar.
The not-so-subtle attack on new immigrants is so blatant, that even when the threat isn't present, new immigrants, perhaps as a defence mechanism, know to have their guard up against all attacks. Coupled with the other obstacles that new immigrants face when trying to familiarize and become grounded in their new home, I can understand the instinctive desire that would compel them to ‘arms’, pardon the dramatics.
That being said, learning one or both of the official languages is certainly the best way to integrate themselves into their new home. It’s quite easy to find members of your specific ‘group’ in Canada, especially in the larger municipalities. However, that in my opinion is not what Canada is. Canada is a nation that aims to reflect what the world could be: a mix of diverse people working towards a common purpose, using the strengths of their specific cultures and experiences, shaped by those cultures, to make a better place.
The cultural mosaic of Canada however, needs a common thread. That common thread is communication. Too often, new immigrants choose to sit on the sidelines, only learning the most basic English terms to get by in general society. This is the greatest impediment to their growth and prosperity in their new found home. They’re ideas can only really be brought to the fore front and heard if they speak either language.
As Canadians, we must honour and appreciate the efforts made by new immigrants, and newly minted Canadians to learn the language(s). Although at times it may be difficult to understand, patience and encouragement must be the tools that we use in order to help them make all of us better. We’ve seen that having marginalized segments in society is not beneficial for the whole.
So in closing, new immigrants, learn the language – and old Canadians extend a hand and show some patience because it could be that new immigrant who holds the cure for Cancer or AIDS in his or her mind, but can’t communicate it to the detriment of us all.
The not-so-subtle attack on new immigrants is so blatant, that even when the threat isn't present, new immigrants, perhaps as a defence mechanism, know to have their guard up against all attacks. Coupled with the other obstacles that new immigrants face when trying to familiarize and become grounded in their new home, I can understand the instinctive desire that would compel them to ‘arms’, pardon the dramatics.
That being said, learning one or both of the official languages is certainly the best way to integrate themselves into their new home. It’s quite easy to find members of your specific ‘group’ in Canada, especially in the larger municipalities. However, that in my opinion is not what Canada is. Canada is a nation that aims to reflect what the world could be: a mix of diverse people working towards a common purpose, using the strengths of their specific cultures and experiences, shaped by those cultures, to make a better place.
The cultural mosaic of Canada however, needs a common thread. That common thread is communication. Too often, new immigrants choose to sit on the sidelines, only learning the most basic English terms to get by in general society. This is the greatest impediment to their growth and prosperity in their new found home. They’re ideas can only really be brought to the fore front and heard if they speak either language.
As Canadians, we must honour and appreciate the efforts made by new immigrants, and newly minted Canadians to learn the language(s). Although at times it may be difficult to understand, patience and encouragement must be the tools that we use in order to help them make all of us better. We’ve seen that having marginalized segments in society is not beneficial for the whole.
So in closing, new immigrants, learn the language – and old Canadians extend a hand and show some patience because it could be that new immigrant who holds the cure for Cancer or AIDS in his or her mind, but can’t communicate it to the detriment of us all.
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