3.3.7 Bilingualism and Multiculturalism
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3.3.7 Bilingualism and Multiculturalism
How should contemporary society respond to the legacies of historical globalization?
One legacy of historical imperialism is the use of languages around the world. As imperialism spread throughout the world, the languages of the colonial powers came with it. That is why we speak English and French in Canada today.
Policies of multiculturalism include
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English is spoken widely around the world because of British imperialism.
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Spanish is spoken in Mexico, Central America, and most of South America because of imperialism.
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Portuguese is the official language of Brazil and Angola.
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South Africa has 11 official languages including English, Afrikaans, nine African languages, and Dutch is spoken also.
Canada has two official languages, French and English. The official policy of bilingualism is a legacy of imperialism.
Other languages: Many Canadians speak languages other than French or English.
Multiculturalism: With the exception of Canada's First Nations and Inuit people, Canada is a nation of immigrants. The Canadian way of dealing with diversity is to allow people to keep their own culture so long as it does not interfere with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Most Canadians believe that people should be free to preserve their heritage and that diversity makes us stronger as individuals and as a nation. This approach has been called pluralism or the cultural mosaic. Australia and the United Kingdom also have adopted official multiculturalism.
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Bilingualism was established by Confederation in 1867.
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Most people in Canada speak one or the other official language.
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Only 18% of Canadians consider themselves to be fluent in both English and French.
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New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province of Canada although services are available in both languages in every province.
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Federal services, such as income tax forms, are available in both French and English.
Other languages: Many Canadians speak languages other than French or English.
Multiculturalism: With the exception of Canada's First Nations and Inuit people, Canada is a nation of immigrants. The Canadian way of dealing with diversity is to allow people to keep their own culture so long as it does not interfere with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Most Canadians believe that people should be free to preserve their heritage and that diversity makes us stronger as individuals and as a nation. This approach has been called pluralism or the cultural mosaic. Australia and the United Kingdom also have adopted official multiculturalism.
Policies of multiculturalism include
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government support for newspapers, television, and radio in minority languages
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support for minority festivals, holidays, and celebrations
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acceptance of traditional and religious dress in schools, the military, and society
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support for arts from cultures around the world
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programs to encourage minority representation in politics, education, and the work force