In the end, the question we ask ourselves is: Is true bilingualism an illusion? One we want to preserve? If we are going to continue the pursuit of programs that promote and sustain this sense of bilingualism, we must be convinced of their goals and motivations. Otherwise, this “bilingualism” will be anchored to a debt and its fate will be all too obvious.
When are we going to give up feeling threatened to embrace the richness of learning a second, third, or fourth language and its culture? Is there hope in embracing bilingualism among the diversity with which we approach our future? Are our education systems trying to prioritize in the right direction? Consistent efforts must be made to overcome our fears, be humble, and accept people and the way they choose to express themselves linguistically and culturally. It is here the essence of the pursuit of retaining and preserving a language will flourish. Allow our neighbour room for error when they are attempting to speak a second language and accept or give correction when it is requested…we need to speak about tolerance. We need to decide whether our languages need to be perfect or whether it is alright to just adequately express ourselves to others. Reflect on what it is that makes us proud to be Canadian…in there, somewhere, you will find the discourse of bilingualism.