Graham Fraser

In this essay, Fraser makes an unabashed and passionate plea for peaceful coexistence of Canada's two official languages, English and French. Looking at multiple facets of the linguistic debate (history, application, benefits), he convincingly argues that both languages are essential to Canadian identity and unity, to cultural enrichment, to historical significance and evolution and to political leadership and understanding. Using factual and anecdotal arguments, he presents the stakes while at the same time proposing concrete and hard-hitting initiatives to improve the situation.
A fascinating look at one of Canada's most sensitive issues with passion, intelligence and hope. Fraser is definitely a great defender of linguistic rights and I hope in his mandate as Official Languages Commissioner will be able to enact some of his propositions.… (mais)

This book was, I confess, a bit of a slog to get through - but well worth the slog.

A richly detailed analysis of Canada's language challenge and pressures stemming from two solitudes - French and English. The book looked at the history of bilingualism in Canada, and evaluated it in the present reality of two large cities, Montreal and Ottawa.

As a western girl who is almost typically Canadian in that I learned French in high school, was functionally bilingual, and then lost virtually all of my language skills as an adult through non-use, this book was an education. Heavy and dry at times, it was still worth the read.… (mais)