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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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!
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