Page 9 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12: French as a Second Language – Core, Extended, and Immersion, 2014

While the knowledge of any language has value, French is not only a global language but the mother tongue of many Canadians and an integral part of the Canadian identity. Learning French equips students to communicate with French-speaking Canadians and millions of French speakers around the world.
In addition to strengthening students’ ability to communicate, learning another language develops their awareness of how language and culture interconnect, helping them appreciate and respect the diversity of Canadian and global societies. When a student is exposed to another culture through its language, he or she begins to understand the role that language plays in making connections with others. Learning an additional language not only challenges a mind but also teaches understanding, encourages patience, and fosters open-mindedness.
Knowledge of an additional language strengthens first-language skills. The ability to speak two or more languages generally enhances cognitive development, as well as reasoning and creative-thinking skills. It also enhances the student’s confidence as a learner, facilitates the learning of additional languages, and contributes to academic achievement. As their strengths develop, French language learners become more flexible and adaptable in new and unforeseen situations. For example, second-language learners tend to be more divergent thinkers, with improved memory and attention span.
Positive outcomes for students in the FSL curriculum include:
• increased mental flexibility;
• improved problem-solving skills;
• a better understanding of aspects of a variety of cultures;
• a greater awareness of global issues, including those related to the environment and sustainability;
• expanded career opportunities.
The ability to speak both of Canada’s official languages helps prepare students for their role as active and engaged citizens in today’s bilingual and multicultural Canada. Moreover, the language learning strategies that students develop in the FSL program can contribute to an interest in learning languages throughout their lives and provide them with the skills to do so. Such abilities benefit the individual; but Canadian society – as well as the global community – also stands to gain from having plurilingual citizens.3
ENDURING IDEAS IN THE FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CURRICULUM
By studying a second language, students learn a great deal about interacting effectively with others, because they have to focus closely on what it is they are trying to communicate; what they need others to understand, and why; how their oral or written expression is received and interpreted; and what others are trying to communicate to them, and why. As they learn to exchange information and ideas in another language, they also learn about other ways of thinking, other ways of doing things, and other ways of living – in short, about other people and other cultures.
3. For more information on plurilingualism, see Council of Europe, Plurilingual Education in Europe: 50 Years of International Co-operation, Strasbourg, February 2006; available at www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/ PlurinlingalEducation_En.pdf.
INTRODUCTION
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