Multiculturalism Within a Bilingual Framework: Language, Race, and Belonging in Canada

by Eve Haque

From the time of its inception in Canada, multiculturalism has generated varied reactions, none more starkly than between French and English Canadians. In this groundbreaking new work, Eve Haque examines the Government of Canada's attempt to forge a national policy of unity based on 'multiculturalism within a bilingual framework,' a formulation that emerged out of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism (1963-70). Uncovering how the policies of bilingualism and multiculturalism are inextricably linked, Haque investigates the ways in which they operate together as part of our contemporary national narrative to favour the language and culture of Canada's two 'founding nations' at the expense of other groups. Haque uses previously overlooked archival material, including transcripts of royal commission hearings, memos, and reports, to reveal the conflicts underlying the emergence of this ostensibly seamless policy. By integrating two important areas of scholarly concern - the evolution and articulation of language rights in Canada, and the history of multiculturalism in the country - Haque provides powerful insight into ongoing asymmetries between Canada's various cultural and linguistic groups.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 5, 2012

Reviews

[George Kettler · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book covering one of the most important cultural policies in Canada: bilingualism. Haque does an amazing job dissecting how langue functions as a proxy for race in Canada and what the implications are for various ethnic groups in this country. His detailed analysis of the royal comisión for bilingualism and biculturalism breaks down the frame work for how the Canadian state deals with ethno-cultural policies and how racial hierarchies are maintained under the guise of multiculturalism. Dense and at times hard to follow, Hague did some amazing work here.

[Sarah-eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand the thesis of the book to be: exemplifying how Indigenous groups and ethnic groups were excluded from the formation of the multicultural nation within a bilingual framework that is promoted in Canada. The thesis was clear and evident and supported throughout the book. The questions I had throughout the reading of the book fell into three main categories: historical context, clarity, and Quebec’s role. I recommend this book to educators and scholars alike.

[TheEditingCompany · Rating 5 out of 5]

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