MIGRANTS’ EXPERIENCE OF AN AUTHENTIC EVALUATION: THE CASE OF THE OFFICE QUÉBÉCOIS DE LA LANGUE FRANÇAISE FRENCH LANGUAGE EXAMINATION

Lakshmee Devi Ramoo1*, Micheline-Joanne Durand2
1Doctoral student, University of Montreal, CANADA, ld.ramoo@umontreal.ca
2Professor, University of Montreal, CANADA, mj.durand@umontreal.ca
*Corresponding Author

Abstract

Immigration is at the heart of Quebec’s development. Indeed, in the context of an ageing and declining population, migrants’ contributions are essential if Quebec wants to remain competitive on a global scale (Boudarbat and Boulet, 2010). The Conseil du Patronat du Québec (2015) seconds this proposal by raising a warning flag as regards the lack of qualified workers on the labour market. However, according to Chicha and Charest (2008), migrants are facing a lot of difficulties surviving, especially in Montreal, where unemployment and downward status mobility prevails (Boudarbat and Boulet, 2007).

Many studies have shown interest in migrants who require professional licensure to work through various angles (Bégin, 2009; Blain, 2015; De Garie Fortin, 2016; Gagnon, 2009; Pellerin, 2013; Primeau, 2014; Misiorowska, 2011). However, till date, no study has focussed on the Office québécois de la langue française french examination. In a context where French language has been the focus of public debate since 40 years and in which the issue of immigration only raises tensions, we believe, it is highly relevant to shed light on this aspect. Moreover, the study is particularly important because the Office québécois de la langue française, will be soon launching an authentic examination to evaluate the French language competencies of migrants.
In this presentation, we will thus shed light on (1) the place of migrants and the French language in Quebec, (2) why it is important to shed light on the new French examination and (3) how the study will be useful to various stakeholders.

Keywords: Authentic evaluation, language competencies, migrant experience, Quebec


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CITATION: Abstracts & Proceedings of SOCIOINT 2018- 5th International Conference on Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, 2-4 July 2018- Dubai, UAE

ISBN: 978-605-82433-3-0