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Canada can learn from language studies in other countries
Tuesday August 5 2008 Dear Editor,
In the July 11th edition of your paper, Tina Fuller replies (“French immersion a must for children in a bilingual country”) to an earlier letter by myself. Unfortunately, she seems to have missed the main point.
I mentioned that a number of countries are bilingual or multilingual, Belgium can be added to that list, that do not have immersion schools in which a second language is taught but have extensive language programs. These countries teach languages very effectively and I believe that Ontario should discontinue the immersion program and upgrade the core language program.
Fuller also missed the fact that I did not say where I was educated. In fact, most of my elementary and secondary education was here in Mono and Shelburne. Unfortunately, I was not able to start my language training until Grade 9 so I do understand how difficult it is to learn a second language with such a late start.
She has a very valid point when she points out that starting French training as late as Grade 4 is a handicap to students in this area. She and all readers should contact their school board representatives and demand an effective “core French” program that will be less costly and just as effective as similar programs in other countries.
I also agree that in a bilingual country, such as Canada, all students should be encouraged to become efficient in both official languages.
Again, I urge school officials to direct our limited educational funds to the best use for all and this means no more French immersion.
Robert W. Anderson, Shelburne

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