Children and French learning
In Ottawa, the percentage of Canadians who spoke primarily French at home has dropped from 10% in 2016 to 8.4% in 2021 according to the Ottawa Citizen. There are several reasons for this alarming decline.
- The role of parents in learning the mother tongue
In 2021, English is the most spoken language in Ottawa households. According to an article in the newspaper Le Droit (2013), based on data from the 2011 Census, more than two-thirds of Franco-Ontarian families are exogamous (only one parent has French as a mother tongue). Since 1970, exogamous couples have only increased, with an acceleration since 1996. Furthermore, according to Statistics Canada, the gender of the Francophone parent can make all the difference in terms of language transmission. In 90% of cases, children with two francophone parents will retain their languages. Francophone mother, non-Francophone father? 40.8%. The reverse? We fall to 19%.
- The impact of the media on learning
Unfortunately, even if parents make the effort to pass on French to their children by enrolling them in French schools, the latter are less likely to speak French in the playground. They are more likely to speak English. The Survey on the Vitality of Official-Language Minorities (SVOLM) sheds light on the language used in five daily activities: watching television, surfing the Internet, organized sports and non-sports activities, and reading. English remains the dominant language. Most of their favorite series, movies, shows, games, books, or social media are predominantly English.
- How does the community influence the desire to learn a language?
Furthermore, children’s use of French is linked to the linguistic dynamics of the community. Among the children of francophone parents who lived in a francophone minority setting in 2006, 33% used French exclusively or mainly for reading, and 12% used French exclusively or mainly for watching television. More than half of the children of Francophone parents living in communities where less than 2% of children have French as their first official language spoken used English only for reading or watching television.
- The importance of Francophone learning structures
Sometimes, the French grammar can seem scary at first. However, French is not only about that. All the culture, history and values that are linked to it are important aspects of learning French that remain important to transmit to children. It is a heritage that gives access to a rich universal culture.
For Anne-Marie Guévin, Assistant Coordinator at the Centre for Children and Families ON y va-Grandir ensemble, “Learning French from a very young age not only promotes its acquisition but also the construction of a child’s identity, which will enable him or her to define and recognize him or herself through the French-speaking world throughout life. It also gives them the confidence and desire to express themselves in this language, a key element in strengthening the vitality of Francophone communities, particularly in minority settings. Therefore, it is important to offer structures that allow children to learn French from an early age. The development of knowledge and skills in the French language will enable children to become involved and contribute fully to the development of the Francophone community.” This is why Grandir Ensemble offers activities for toddlers all across the city, including weekly activities at the Alliance Française Ottawa.
With 21 French-language elementary schools and 14 French-language high schools, the number of students studying in French in the City of Ottawa is 11,000. This number demonstrates the continued interest in French. But schools are not the only way to promote French language learning.
5- Kids activities in Ottawa for learning French
The City of Ottawa has put in place several francophone programs to encourage children to learn French. There are many recreational, educational, and cultural programs that help to strengthen the French language skills of young children.
Children’s workshops are also a fun and educational way to introduce them to this beautiful language. Alliance Française Ottawa created Les petits penseurs, an introductory workshop on philosophy for children aged 6 to 12, whether they are Francophones, Anglophones or FSL learners, even beginners. Its goal is to accompany the children in their learning of French but also in their cognitive, affective and social development. These workshops are held at the same time as the Alliance Francaise Ottawa’s book club to allow parents who wish to accompany their children to also participate in intellectual exchanges in French.