There are times when I’m talking/writing about learning #OfficialLanguages that I feel like I’m shouting into the void. But the question remains: if what we’ve done for 50+ years hasn’t produced the desired results, why are we still doing it?
#LinguisticDualityDay
10. Focus on language USE. not language accumulation. Reward accordingly. Encourage efficient language use by incorporating reward systems that encourage use, not hitting benchmarks.
#LinguisticDualityDay
8. Learning #OfficialLanguages isn’t just limited to the National Capital Region. Ensure that the same quality of training is available to people working in the regions.
#LinguisticDualityDay
7. Learning styles have never been scientifically proven to exist. Be conscious of people not developing their weaker skills and blaming it on being an [X] learner.
#LinguisticDualityDay
6. Does your department encourage the use of both #OfficialLanguages in meetings and work sessions? Monitor that balance, and watch out for people getting drowned out because they’re not as fluent and can’t make their opinions heard as well as the others.
#LinguisticDualityDay
3. Is the issue more behvioural than linguistic? Talk to your employees about why they’re not using the target #OfficialLanguages outside of the classroom.
And then REALLY listen.
#LinguisticDualityDay
1. Stop trying to push linguistic solutions (i.e. language training) on behavioural and organizational issues. #LinguisticDualityDay
Some thoughts for #LinguisticDualityDay, from a linguist, instructional designer and 20-year veteran of teaching languages:
