The Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, has said it himself: Canadian universities have a responsibility to promote bilingualism. They have a key role to play in supporting the Government of Canada’s language policy.
Of its own volition, the University of Ottawa has already responded to this observation with the launch of a new component that is unique in Canada: the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, known under the acronym OLBI.
Since its beginnings in 1848, the University has been known for its bilingual character – a quality it maintains and upholds today more than ever.
The University of Ottawa Act, 1965, highlighted the promotion of bilingualism as one of the University’s key responsibilities. In keeping with its obligations, and as part of its Vision 2010 plan, the University reaffirmed its commitment to play a leadership role in the broad field of official languages.
Under the direction of Richard Clément, professor of psychology and holder of the Research Chair in Bilingualism and Society, OLBI will be the key means of implementing this commitment. Clément will head the institute in conjunction with Hilaire Lemoine, executive in residence and former director general of the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Official Languages Support Programs.
“The institute’s objectives centre around one major theme: the consolidation, development and promotion, both at home and abroad, of the University of Ottawa’s bilingualism expertise,” explains Clément.
The challenge is significant, and it will require appropriate measures.
OLBI will start by integrating all University programs and services relating to its expertise (concentrated mainly in the Second Language Institute) with existing staff. It will then take under its wings the University’s immersion program, which allows students to obtain second language certification. The institute also offers professors intensive second language courses adapted to their academic needs.
OLBI will also include a research centre in the broad multidisciplinary field of applied linguistics: the Canadian Centre for Studies and Research in Bilingualism and Language Planning (CCSRBLP). The centre will be a forum for national and international cooperation. It further aims to become a consultative language planning centre for government institutions (i.e., federal, provincial and municipal), as well as other public and semi-public agencies with official languages and bilingualism responsibilities.
OLBI will also have a development and promotion office tasked with promoting and marketing Canadian expertise, services and models, both at home and abroad, in the fields of language instruction, language skills assessment, bilingualism and language planning.
“These are key elements that will make the institute an essential point of reference for all language teaching fields, and allow the University to play an even more decisive role in the development of bilingualism,” says executive in residence Hilaire Lemoine.
Prepared with files from Gilbert Bringué
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