The main reason we learn a new language is to love foreigners, a command right up there in the Bible with love for the orphan, the widow and the prisoner. The environment and pluralism are now the top 21st century concerns. We need to know how to relate to people of other backgrounds and distinguish superficial from deep cultural elements. We must be aware of their perspectives and realize that non-English speakers speaking English do not mean the same thing as native speakers of the language. In short, we need the cultural and linguistic savvy to effect change on many fronts, and this requires knowing how to listen and learn from the stranger, and how to live and work with one another.
A Sample of French Major and Minor Graduates' Career Titles
-Teachers in Christian and Public Schools and French Immersions Programs
-Development Workers and Missionaries working in francophone countries
-Bank Employee with bilingual skills
Specific Examples:
Administrative Assistant, Rivington’s Financial Services, Pembroke
Public Inquiries Officer, Ontario Ministry of Education, Toronto
Field Relations Representative, World Vision, Mississauga
Publisher, Essence Communications Group, Belleville
Associate Missionary/Teacher, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
Bilingual Head of Marketing, Baxter Pharmaceutical Canada, Mississauga
Bilingual Relations, Ontario Department of Education and Training, Hamilton
Bilingual Sales Manager of Ontario Flowers, Beamsville
Bilingual Social Worker, Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre
Pastor, Repentingy, QC (Église Réformée St-Paul)
Pastor, Sainte-Foy, QC (Eglise Réformée St-Marc)
Head of Graduate Studies, The University of Warwick, UK
Senior Editor, Faith Today Magazine
Professor of History & Scholar at the African-American Archives, University of Southern Maine
Executive Director of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, Virginia, U.S.
Development Worker, World Vision, Working in Francophone African Countries
Education Specialist and Consultant, CRWRC, West Africa
Volunteer Coordinator, ServiceLink Canada (CRCNA)
Bilingual Employee, Toronto Airport Authority, Toronto
Librarian, Working in Both Official Languages
Registered Massage Therapist, Specializing in the Trauma Experienced by Refugees Employee, The Christian Labour Association of Canada
Case Manager, Somerville House, Women's Services
Bilingual Guide, Point Pelee National Park