As Canada’s only bilingual province, New Brunswick places a strong emphasis on speaking both official languages: English and French. Many job positions now require fluency in both languages, making it nearly impossible to secure employment in certain fields without this skill. While the New Brunswick government does not mandate bilingualism for all employees, it is an asset to be fluent in both. A significant number of positions are filled by individuals proficient in both languages, reflecting the province’s commitment to serving the public bilingually. Initiatives like the French Conversation Circle aim to help students achieve proficiency in French.
Affiliated with the Mount Allison Student Union (MASU), this club offers a welcoming space for students and community members to practice speaking French in a relaxed environment. Located in Crabtree 223, the group meets twice a week—Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m.—and is open to the public.
The club’s activities include discourse on relatable topics, movie nights with follow-up discussions, and practical role-playing scenarios—all conducted in French. Whether participants convey their sentiments on a book they read or simulate a job interview, this circle is designed to help them gain confidence in their conversational abilities and improve their vocabulary and grammar.
The meetings begin with a roundtable discussion led by an administrator, where members are encouraged to ask questions and engage in conversation. If you know nothing about the language and do not know where to begin, this club welcomes anyone interested. Their goal is to create a judgment-free space for students of all skill levels to communicate in French in an informal setting, free from the pressures of classroom grading. Participants can interact with native or bilingual speakers and more experienced learners, fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
While they plan to offer resource materials and worksheets in the future, there is no set curriculum for the club. Conversation topics may be predetermined but students are encouraged to explore discussions toward subjects that interest them. The club emphasizes real-time learning rather than textbook-based learning. “I think the hardest part of learning a language is having a chance to speak and communicate in the language, and that is what the club would provide,” said Dang Duc Tri, Vice President of the club.
Established in October 2024, the French Conversation Circle was inspired by similar programs hosted by the Moncton Public Library and Moncton Cares. The club hopes to replicate its success by bringing it to Sackville, encouraging cultural exchange, and celebrating French and Acadian heritage.
One of their objectives aims to help international students and passionate language learners enhance their comprehension and communication abilities. Equipping them with the right tools, this club focuses on preparing students for the bilingual job market — adding valuable skills and experience. They want to promote language proficiency and a better understanding of Francophone culture. For more information, follow the club on Instagram @mtaccf or contact them via email at [email protected]
