Expand Punjabi as a second language-based program in Abbotsford schools. Let's grow together.

Be together, speak together

By Ken Herar, The Times December 8, 2011

I’m a little disturbed by some of the racial driven comments I have read online and in the paper about expanding the Punjabi language program in the Abbotsford School District. It’s these kinds of comments that trigger hatred, racism and discrimination amongst our diverse community. I recall going to school in Abbotsford and I was required to learn a second language to graduate. I enrolled in German 11 to achieve the graduation criteria and enjoyed it very much. I see this as a great step forward in expanding our school system’s idea of embracing multiculturalism and giving the students an opportunity to learn how to communicate with other cultures in their community by learning a different language. I come across non-Punjabi’s on a regular basis that can speak the language better than me, in their efforts to communicate with South Asians. I respect and appreciate their efforts in caring enough to take the time out to expand their skills. As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, we have some cultural gaps that require attention.

One of the critics said in her letter, “Why teach the Punjabi language when it’s not one of the official Canadian languages.” If we use that line of thinking, neither is German. I think many people that demonstrate opposition to this initiative actually have underlying issues directed towards the Punjabi community here in Abbotsford. I see this more as a racial issue than a financial matter.

We need to take a look at the demographics of where this language is being proposed to be taught. Just like German being one of the languages taught in our school system due to the large German population in Abbotsford, we now have a large Punjabi population which also includes many businesses. By giving students the opportunity to explore their educational language studies, this will encourage them to reach out and connect with other individuals in their community that they normally would not have been able to relate to.

A few years ago, someone said something I have never forgotten. The individual said, “Ken, we live in one of the most illiterate regions in the world.” I took a moment to ponder what he referring to and came to the realization that what he was trying to say was that many of the new Canadians that arrive into our country don’t know English. Not knowing English is not proven grounds for deeming someone to be illiterate.

Learning multiple languages is how our world is becoming more connected. Having said that, it is important that non-English speaking residence take the initiative to also try to connect by learning English as their second language. People need to step up and understand that in order for us to conquer the cultural divide in Abbotsford, non-English speaking people need to learn English and English speaking people need to learn Punjabi (or other languages) to create a more integrated community. After all, it is language that connects us all together and allows us to relate to one another.

With the idea of expanding language based programs in our school system, we need to study the benefits and long-term advantages of embracing and implementing such an opportunity