Episode 21: Bilingual Brains And Bias

Written By Andrea McCoy

"I'm rich and I can speak two languages" can often get the resounding "Wow!" Or the flattering "Impressive!" But when it comes to people from lower classes or those from the global majority, bilingualism is often looked down on - especially in our Western world. What is it about elevating the languages of the rich and judging the languages of the poor?

The Cold Realities of Language

Bilingualism is not just a skill; it's an exploration of identity, a testament to adaptability, and, surprisingly, a marker of privilege and social class. And often those on the lower end of the monetary funnel are discriminated against more than those with moneybags and wealth.

The Fractured Mirror of Perception

We will explore how the British tabloids marveled at Princess Charlotte's bilingual prowess, an amazement that feels misplaced in a world where most of us juggle multiple tongues. Why should the princess's bilingualism be lauded when countless immigrant children wield languages with ease as well? Within our world, there are unsaid assumptions and the invisible hierarchy in our perceptions of a person’s language ability.

The Echoes of Classism

There's a noticeable dichotomy between Western adulation for bilingual royals and the less gracious reception faced by immigrant children. These children, thrust into new linguistic landscapes, often find their multilingualism overlooked or undervalued. We will examine our own bias’, touching on the prejudices that emerge from accents and perceived proficiency, reminding us how deeply embedded classism can be in language.

Flipping the Narrative

We emphasize that bilingualism or multilingualism should not be used to measure intellect—a child's linguistic skills shouldn't determine their worth nor should it invoke awe only when associated with social standing. We need to collectively appreciate each other for who we are and not how we speak one language proficiently or not.

The Unseen Faces of Multilingualism

Globally, multilingual communities thrive. From European children learning multiple languages to Moroccan schools where four languages are the norm, we cast a spotlight on these overlooked narratives. Yet, when these multilingual individuals immigrate to Western countries, their linguistic talents fail to garner the same level of admiration.

Reflection and Rekindling

We welcome you to embrace multilingualism as a testament of resilience and creativity. We invite you to embark on a journey of understanding—a challenge to sideline your ignorance and develop an appreciation for the diverse voices that colour our world.

In the end, as Canadian Salad wraps up another engaging episode, we are left with a poignant reminder: language is more than communication; it is a bridge to understanding, a testament to heritage, and an ever-evolving part of the human experience, deserving of honour beyond the confines of class or status.

Andrea McCoy https://www.janklin.ca
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Episode 22: When Canada Isn’t That Into You
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Episode 20: Trudeau Steps Down, We Step Up