CANADA: Over the past few years there has been much discussion in Canada on multiculturalism and language issues, these discussions inevitably link and support the relationship between self-esteem, culture and Language education.

The research supports the offering of heritage languages as it is vital in developing self-esteem and furthering success of students in school. The question arises as to why there has been Tittle progress with the implementation of heritage languages other than Spanish. German, Latin, Mandarin and Japanese.

These languages are provincially authorized courses and are funded by the government. Punjabi, however, is categorized as a “locally developed option” and receives no funding. No school! District in British Columbia offers Punjabi during the regular school day, 11isimportant that our education system recognizes all language programs equitably.

Recently, a group of concerned educators and parents have met to discuss policy and funding issues related to Punjabi language. This. Group has formalized into the British Columbia Association for Punjabi Language Education. The main goal of this association is (6 implement Punjabi language classes in the public school system during regular school hours. The British Columbia Association for Punjabi Language Education is asking for your support to promote the offering of Punjabi language as part of the regular school day. We would like to invite you to a meeting to discuss these issues, The meeting will be held on December 12,1993 at cast Richmond Community Center (12369 Cambie Road) from 2:00 pm to 5,00 pm. This meeting will address questions such as “What are the issues”, “What needs to be done” “How can we collaboratively work:

Together to accomplish this task.” Please note that a more: detailed agenda will be provided: at the meeting. We hope that your schedule will allow you to attend. For further information, please contact Sadu Binning (4379014), Balwinder Brar (5998715), Amrit Mann (4360251) or Inder Mehat (5313289), Inder Mehat On behalf of the British Columbia Association for Punjabi Language Education.

 

Article extracted from this publication >>  December 10, 1993