5 Key Reasons Bilingual Education is Essential in Quebec
Embracing English and French Bilingual Education Together
In Quebec, the rise in demand for bilingual education underscores the importance of mastering both English and French in today’s interconnected world. With over 76% of the approximately 304,000 eligible children in Quebec attending English-language schools, many families recognize the value of English proficiency alongside French for future opportunities and global engagement
This trend not only highlights a cultural shift but also points to the evolving needs of Quebec’s bilingual society.
1. The Value of Bilingual Education in Quebec
Quebec has long emphasized French preservation, with policies like Bill 101 limiting access to English-language education to protect French as the dominant language. However, in urban centers, families increasingly supplement their children’s education with English classes. This dual approach provides children with language skills that help them connect locally and globally. While French is crucial for cultural identity, English can serve as a bridge to wider professional and social networks.
2. The Magic of Cognates
One of the unique benefits of bilingual education in Quebec is the abundance of English-French cognates. English has absorbed a wealth of French vocabulary, particularly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, creating a substantial overlap. Cognates like animal, important, question, and possible mean that learners gain access to a shared linguistic foundation. For children, recognizing these familiar words across both languages can ease their learning process, making English less daunting and French more accessible.
Here’s a snapshot of helpful English-French cognates:
- Nature and Animals: animal (animal), forest (forêt), ocean (océan)
- Emotions: happy (heureux), angry (en colère), sad (triste)
- Daily Activities: routine (routine), dinner (dîner), to decide (décider)
- School Vocabulary: class (classe), lesson (leçon), school (école)
3. Language Development Follows a Natural Sequence
Decades of research have shown that language acquisition follows specific developmental stages, similar across first and second languages (Lightbown & Spada, 2006). Learners, whether they speak French or Japanese as a first language, typically follow similar steps in grasping English grammar. They move from simple sentence structures to complex question forms and negative statements (e.g., I don’t know, she isn’t here). This sequence informs the way bilingual programs, including those at Langmobile, build lesson plans that encourage gradual learning.
4. Cognates Support Cognitive and Social Skills
Learning both English and French doesn’t just improve language skills; it also supports cognitive growth. Studies suggest that bilingual children often display enhanced problem-solving abilities, better multitasking skills, and increased empathy. Engaging with two languages strengthens attention and adaptability, making bilingualism a beneficial asset in Quebec’s diverse society. When children recognize shared words and structures across languages, they gain confidence and see language as a bridge rather than a barrier Education News Canada
5. English Skills for Quebec’s Global Future
English fluency provides children with greater opportunities in a globally connected world. It opens doors to international education, career opportunities, and cultural exchanges. For Quebec children, bilingual education ensures they can succeed both in the local community and beyond. By understanding both French and English, students can comfortably transition between environments and meet the demands of a bilingual workforce.
How Langmobile Harnesses Cognates to Encourage Bilingualism
At Langmobile, we use the natural overlap between English and French to make language learning engaging and accessible. Our lessons are filled with activities based on cognates, where children can see the similarities and differences between the languages firsthand. Through interactive games, songs, and storytelling that integrate familiar vocabulary, we create an environment where children feel confident using English and French. By focusing on relatable, thematic learning—like animals, family, and daily routines—we help children build vocabulary naturally, reinforce essential grammar structures, and encourage a lifelong love of bilingualism. LANGMOBILE‘ s approach combines language, play, and real-world context, making language acquisition a fun and empowering journey for young learners.
