Few, if any countries, celebrate multiculturalism more than Canada. In fact, multiculturalism is an official national policy, the first country to make it so.
In addition to its two official languages, there are more than 200 languages spoken in Canada, from Blackfoot to Tagalog.
It takes a lot of fortitude and determination to learn a second language, but there are some ways to make the task easier.
There is a lot of information about the importance of second-language skills in business and travel. Just as much has been written about the importance of cultural learning. But, not so much information has focused on the importance of both, and how they can work together to make learning both more efficient.
It has been thoroughly documented that learning a second language is good for one’s career, particularly in a bilingual country such as Canada. Bilinguals are more likely to be hired; and then earn higher salaries. As they grow older, language learning has also shown to provide specific health benefits, such as helping delay the onset of such illnesses as dementia.
It has been documented anecdotally and through statistical research that knowing a second language can help further your career, create more job options and increase your income. However, unless you plan to become a polyglot, the question is which language to learn aside from Canada’s official languages, English and French.
Megan Difrancescantonio, data and reporting analyst at Agnico Eagle Mines Limited in Toronto, needed to learn French. She had received a promotion at work requiring her to work closely with her company’s Quebec operation, as well as other locations. She soon found that learning French with Berlitz at the Berlitz learning centre wasn’t the chore she thought it was going to be. In fact, it was enjoyable.
Canada is officially a bilingual country, with English and French the official languages. In reality, however, Canada is becoming less and less bilingual and more and more multilingual, increasing the need to learn new languages.
The best way to learn a second language is through a proven structured program such as the ones offered by Berlitz. There are many things, however, you can also do to build on what you learn in class.
Shannon Carlin works for the Parks Canada Agency in Calgary. She is taking one-on-one French classes at the Berlitz Learning Centre in Calgary, primarily to further her career but there have been other benefits.
Few employers would disagree about the need for effective cross-cultural training programs in today’s fast-moving, multi-national business environment, preparing employees for foreign assignments and creating a more effective, happier workplace at home.
It has long been known, and well publicized, that learning a second language can stimulate the minds of older adults. Language learning can help keep you mentally sharp, improve cognitive skills and even reduce the chances of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Mrs. Catalina Veneziano, Learning & Development Manager of Western Canada for Compass Canada, a national food service and supply company, learned French at Berlitz to help her succeed at work. She found, however, the benefits of Berlitz language learning go well beyond that.
A lot has been written about preparing for a foreign assignment and the need to understand and appreciate other cultures, but there’s not as much information about the issues you may encounter managing a multi-cultural team, or how to handle them.
More than eight in 10 Canadian adults say it’s a good thing that Canada is bilingual, according to a national government survey.