Since January, notable Canadians living here and abroad have come together as one voice to promote Canada 150 celebrations. In addition to their success, many of these people have something else in common: bilingualism! We asked them what it means to them and how speaking both of our official languages has enriched their lives.
Catriona Le May Doan, an accomplished athlete
If you enjoy the winter Olympic Games, surely you know speed skater Catriona Le May Doan. Who could forget the 3-time Olympic medalist and world record holder!
Catriona entered the French school system in kindergarten. “I saw the benefit early on of being able to communicate no matter where I was in our country, and many places around the world,” she said. For her, being bilingual means having the freedom to go anywhere! She still considers bilingualism to be an asset to her today: “Since retirement, I continue to use both languages for interviews, hosting events, broadcasting and volunteering.” She has enrolled both of her children in French immersion, because she wants them to have the same advantages she had.
Yann Martel, a chameleon
Yann Martel knows a thing or two about linguistic plurality. Born in Salamanca, Spain, he’s lived in Alaska, Costa Rica, Portugal, Mexico, France and Canada. You’ve likely heard of his novel-turned-movie Life of Pi, an allegory about the adventures of a shipwrecked boy from India.
Yann expresses his view of bilingualism in a descriptive way: “When you speak more than one language, you become an artful chameleon, showing one colour in one tree and another colour in another tree.” In his opinion, these colours go deeper than the surface: “They make you not only see the world in a different way, but feel it in a different way.” For him, “speaking 2, 3 languages creates a creative synergy in the mind that is enriching and rewarding.”
Jill Barber, a proudly bilingual singer
Ontario-born author and singer-songwriter Jill Barber has won several awards. An Anglophone, in 2013, she debuted her first French album, a selection of classic songs from Quebec and France.
She told us that, for her, learning to sing and perform in French was like learning a new instrument. “As a performer, my job is first and foremost to communicate with others. The ability to do that in both official languages has not only been a huge professional asset but has also brought me a great deal of personal satisfaction and pride as a Canadian.”
Herménégilde Chiasson, a cultural jack-of-all-trades
Poetry, theatre, movies and painting … culturally and artistically, Herménégilde Chiasson has done it all! An active creator since the 1970s, he puts a lot of emphasis on identity and social concerns in his work. His home province of New Brunswick appointed him lieutenant-governor from 2003 to 2009.
He believes we’re lucky to live in a country that’s the envy of the world. For him, “the conciseness of the English language and the precision of the French language are 2 concepts that are clearly reflected in our way of life and in the way we adapt to the environment.” While the co-existence of French and English sometimes causes friction, Herménégilde thinks “learning the other language is still the best way to solve the problem.”
Paul Davis, a fashion designer and businessperson
Paul Davis is a young fashion designer who created his own menswear label. After studying fashion design, he moved to Paris to continue his training and start his career in the industry. After that, he opened his own boutique in Berlin.
For Paul, Canada has an incredible advantage on the world stage. Not many countries have both English and French as official languages! “French has allowed our company to gain a platform in Paris and in the international fashion industry, whereas English has proved to be the de facto language of global business.”
Now we want to hear from you! How has speaking both of Canada’s official languages benefited you personally and professionally? Tell us how being bilingual or multilingual has enriched your life!
Translated by Natalie Ballard, Language Portal of Canada
