I'm thinking of leaving my immersion program or school because I don't know what use French is going to be to me in life!
Maybe at this point in your life, you don't really see all the advantages of speaking French. But isn't that also the case with other subjects that you're taught in school? For example, the math and science classes that you're taking may be useful in the future to a greater or lesser extent, depending on what occupation you choose. But a second language is a gift for a lifetime, no matter what your career choice! Since French is one of Canada's two official languages, knowing French is an advantage in countless job fields, not to mention being an asset to your personal development.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is 25 years old. This Charter guarantees the equality of Canada's two official languages. How has this Charter changed the lives of Canadians? Canadian youth answered that question...have look at this cool video
Also take a few minutes to visit this web site presenting the situation of French as a second language in the world ... you might get suprised ! French : the Most Practical Foreign Language
What kind of career do you want to pursue?
Doctor, mechanic, teacher, diplomat, pilot? No matter what occupation you want to pursue, it's absolutely certain that French will prove of great benefit to you. A business manager will be inclined to hire you if he knows that you'll be able to attract new clients for him or accommodate Canada's official languages, provided you have the necessary skills and knowledge, of course! Not matter what the field, when two equally-qualified candidates come forth, the employer will definitely choose the bilingual one!
Do you want to travel?
Maybe discovering the world is what you want to do ... well, did you know that there are 33 countries in the world where French is considered an official language? You'll be able to communicate with people in their native language. Trust us: people are much more open when you can speak with them in their own language! Furthermore, French is very similar to Spanish, Italian and other Latin languages. Proficiency in French will give you the advantage of being able to learn another language more easily!
It's hard for me to do sports or group activities in my school, because it's so small. I'd like to switch!
Your school is small and in this case, taking part in certain activities may be more difficult. On the other hand, here's your chance to show your leadership! Talk to your teachers or your principal. Determine with them whether it would be possible to pair students from your school with other institutions! Do you want to take part in drama, dance, hockey or swimming? In smaller schools, people are often more inclined to listen, so take the opportunity and ask to explore your interests! A small school is also an advantage!
I'm leaving my school to follow my friends!
Your friends are important to you - that's normal. It's no fun to see them leave for another school. On the other hand, distance won't prevent you from seeing them, and by staying in a different school you have twice as many people to develop friendships with. Plus, you can't ignore how important learning is to you. It's not easy to tell yourself that when you're young but our choices have a big impact throughout our lives. The gift of a language is important too!
Are you crazy about culture?
It's true that American culture has lots to offer, but why limit yourself to just that culture when you can discover French, Belgian or Moroccan music, books and movies? You know, being open to the world is a great gift to give yourself!
If I continue my studies in French, I'm going to do less well in university!
Where did you get that idea? Did you know that learning a second language helps stimulate brain activity and promotes your ability to solve certain problems more quickly? If you're careful to keep up your English skills, continuing to read regularly and watching the quality of your writing, you'll come out on top. Besides, when you learn something in French, there's nothing preventing you from transferring it into English, and vice versa. The human brain is an amazing machine that we often underestimate. Use it to the utmost!
I'm quitting French studies to concentrate on English. It's the most-spoken language in Saskatchewan and that's what counts!
It goes without saying that in Saskatchewan English is really important. However, knowledge of a second language won't detract from your skills in your first language. On the contrary, being proficient in another language will only strengthen your abilities in your mother tongue. And as you know, knowing Canada's two official languages in an Anglophone province gives you a big advantage in many areas!
Aside from school, I never speak French in my daily life!
You don't know where to practice your French? Did you know that if you look around a bit, it's not hard and you can even make some new friends! The Association jeunesse fransaskoise (AJF) organizes at least 50 activities a year throughout the province! If you're a fan of sports, drama, improvisation, politics or even music, it's the place for you! Every year, the AJF also organizes a ski trip to the Rockies, a camping weekend and many other excursions. They'd be happy to welcome you, no matter when!
Plus there are Francophone centres in 15 regions of Saskatchewan. Get informed: there are always performances, happy hours, movie screenings, parties and a lot more!
French is too complicated!
You're right to say that French is a complex language. Only, it's not "too" complicated - it's just different from English! It's a matter of learning things step by step and surrounding yourself with good people to assist you when necessary. You don't learn French just from books: you learn it while snowboarding with friends, going to the mall and even playing pool on Friday nights with the gang!
Some other things to know...
In Canada, 150,000 young people are studying French in Francophone schools outside of Quebec and 320,000 are enrolled in immersion schools. Finally, more than 2 million young Canadians are taking French classes in their Anglophone schools.
Do you have other things to tell us? Preconceptions, myths, questions? Let us know by e-mailing us at coalition@sasktel.net or phoning 1 866 423-5859. If you want, we'll publish your remarks on this website, so you'll be able to share your thoughts on learning French in Saskatchewan with other young people!
