Second Language Learning

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s "Our bilingualism" program

Employees in unilingual positions at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have access to funding for second-language training through the "Our Bilingualism" program. This voluntary program for building bilingual capacity was designed to facilitate access to language training for the purposes of career development and human resources planning. It also fosters greater bilingualism within the department. This five-year program was launched in 2003–2004.

Contact: Annick Ayotte, ayottea@agr.gc.ca

Innovative Self-directed second language learning tool  "for the love of english" – "Pour l’amour du français" from the Canadian Space Agency

The Canadian Space Agency is using innovative methods to help its employees gain and retain second language skills.

The blended self-directed learning approach, which combines computer-assisted training with guidance from teachers, makes it possible to see the progress made in learning or maintaining a second language. It gives participants the flexibility to combine work and language learning at a pace that is right for them, and results in cost savings for the organization. This project has raised a great deal of interest and has even been shared with 15 other departments that now use computer-assisted learning tools.

Contact: Paulette Girouard, paulette.girouard@espace.gc.ca

At home or abroad, Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada provide language training around the clock

If you need virtual access to a language training campus, whether in Moscow or Rio, look no further! Employees of these departments can get on-line language training anywhere in Canada or the rest of the world through virtual campuses. And there are exercises to help you retain or enrich your knowledge of the second language outside of working hours.

Contact: Delphine Renié,delphine.renie@international.gc.ca 

Language training takes off at Air Canada

Information technologies are very helpful when it comes to learning. This has not escaped Air Canada, which provides an on-line language training service that is readily accessible to all of its employees.

Contact: Louise McEvoy, louise.mcevoy@aircanada.ca

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada: Learning a language is child's play

You can even have fun figuring out how good you are at finding the right words in one of the official languages! In this department, the odds are excellent: learning the second language through games has never been more fun, with a new game every month to help hone your skills.

Contact: Guylaine Durand, durandg@ainc-inac.gc.ca