Young Francophones Boast Stronger Bilingualism Skills

Apr 15, 2008

Young Canadians overwhelmingly agree that having two official languages enriches the country and helps define Canada. But there's a clear linguistic divide with respect to their facility in and openness to the other official language.

Young francophones are far likelier to be bilingual, to believe that knowing a second language is very important and to be interested in English-Canadian culture and history than their anglophone peers.

The findings come from a national survey of 2,015 Canadians aged 12 to 30 conducted by Ipsos Reid for the Department of Canadian Heritage. The survey results were published recently on a government website.

According to the survey, nearly nine in 10 young Canadians think having two official languages enriches the country. About two-thirds say bilingualism helps define what it means to be a Canadian.

But stark differences emerge in some responses that are broken down by language.
For example, one in four young anglophones say they can speak French well enough to conduct a conversation, though barely one third of those say they speak it well.

By contrast, two-thirds of young francophones say they can converse in English, and nearly three-quarters of those rate their facility in the language as good.

Among young anglophones, 43 per cent say they can read well in French. But twice as many young francophones say they can read well in English.

While 88 per cent of anglophones and 98 per cent of francophones think it's important for children to learn a second language, 70 per cent of francophones say it's very important, compared to about half of anglophones.

Young francophones also express significantly more interest in consuming music, books, films, shows and TV programs by anglophone artists.

More than eight in 10 say they'd be interested if they were translated into French and more than seven in 10 would be interested even if they were in English.

Though 61 per cent of young anglophones express interest in translated cultural products by francophone artists, that falls to just 39 per cent if they are in French.

More than seven in 10 young francophones express interest in engaging in their favourite leisure activity in English. Just 42 per cent of young anglophones have an interest in doing so in French.

Young francophones are also slightly more interested in learning about anglo-Canadian culture and history than young anglophones are in learning about franco-Canadian history and culture.

There is near-unanimous agreement that the federal government should continue to fund exchange programs to promote learning and understanding among young Canadians. But only 69 per cent have any interest in participating in a bilingual exchange themselves.

One in five young Canadians say they have no personal interest in learning the other official language. The survey provides no breakdown by linguistic group.

Young Canadians cite limited learning opportunities in their region, the poor quality of language instruction or lack of opportunity to practice as barriers to learning the other official language. Six per cent say it's not necessary to speak a second language to function in Canada.

Asked to name the greatest advantage of bilingual ability, more than four in 10 young Canadians cite its value in getting a job. One in four mentions communication with others as the main advantage and one in 10 says it makes it easier to travel.

Ipsos Reid conducted the survey last year between Aug. 15 and Sept. 6. Overall, the margin of error is plus or minus 2.2 per cent, 19 times out of 20, though error margins are larger for sub-populations.

The Department of Heritage will compare the results to data collected in previous years to identify and analyze trends.