Winning strategies

To a large extent, the success of your new policy to deliver services in both official languages will depend on how the project is promoted to members of your organization. When you unveil your language policy, you must have a communication plan ready to ensure that your members, employees and clients are all aware of your new commitment to provide services in the language of their choice.

Putting bilingualism into practice at your organization means, first and foremost, giving your members the opportunity to communicate and participate in their preferred language. Consider some ideas on how you can help bilingualism take root and flourish in your organization by visiting the many "information sheets" and "practical tools" that have been provided for your use.

Promotion and communications
To project a clear image as a bilingual organization, make good use of the tools already at your disposal, including events, meetings, newsletters, bulletin boards, etc. Employ bilingual signage to clearly convey that services are available in both languages. Respond to correspondence in the official language of the request.

Whatever the communication tool - brochure, website, newsletters, annual reports, promotional material or meeting announcement - ensure that the presentation is appropriate to the intended audience and properly reflects the organization's bilingual character. Establish standards for quality and layout right from the start.

The "Bilingual writing" information sheet highlights practices that will help your organization produce quality documents in both official languages. The "Bilingual formatting" practical tool provides a number of presentation options for using both official languages in your organization's communications. Carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option in the context of your organization. The "Official languages symbol" information sheet provides contact information for ordering official languages signs that may be used for your organization's reception area.

Bilingual writing Official languages symbol

Bilingual formatting

Reception
Welcoming your members, whether over the telephone or in person is a very important first contact. When communicating by telephone or in person, the ability to offer your client the choice to use either English or French is a valuable service. The "Reception" information sheet offers suggestions to help your organization welcome your clients in both official languages. View the various available resources designed to assist you in providing a bilingual reception.

Reception Official languages symbol

Bilingual meetings and events Meetings are a particularly important forum for communicating. Each person should feel free to participate, using either English or French or both in the same meeting, according to the individual's choice. Bilingual meetings are not all that difficult, but the key is to have a well prepared chair and team. The "Bilingual meetings" information sheet offers some good advice on how to hold meetings in the two official languages.

One week in English... The next in French! Try alternating between two official languages at weekly meetings, so that each week all documents, including those tables at the meeting, are presented in the language of the meeting. This will promote the use of both official languages in practice and will help employees develop greater confidence in their second language.

Teleconferencing is an alternative to face-to-face meetings. Consult the "Bilingual teleconferencing" information sheet for helpful suggestions. In addition to day-to-day meetings, your organization might also hold annual meetings, special events or conferences. In planning for a bilingual meeting or event, refer to the "Planning bilingual meetings and events" information sheet.

Bilingual meetings Bilingual teleconferencing Planning bilingual meetings and events

Translation and interpretation
A translator is an individual who translates written text from one language to another. An interpreter is an individual who translates the words of a speaker in real time. Consult the "Translation and interpretation" information sheet for helpful tips on when to use the services of these professionals and how to locate a translator or interpreter in your region. View the practical tool checklists provided to assist you in preparation for contracting translation or interpretation services for your organization.

Translation and interpretation

Translation checklist Interpretation checklist

Second language learning There are many ways that an organization can help its employees improve and maintain their second language skills. Language training is one of the most effective ways to improve your organization's capacity to offer services in a second language. In addition to formal language programs, employees can also maintain their second language skills by using simple and informal methods - consider watching French television or listening to the news in French on the radio. Consult our "Second language learning" information sheet and read about the various language training options available and useful tips to make language learning easier!

Make your program more attractive by: declaring days when only one language is used holding noon-time discussion groups awarding certificates, letters of congratulations and prizes organizing celebrations, games, and other special events

Second language learning

Language training checklist Practising second language skills