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Second Languages and Remote Working

Maintaining a second language is challenging when remote working. You are isolated from your colleagues and away from your normal work environment. It’s more challenging to practice. Finding ways to learn or maintain a second language may be different now, but there are still ways the Government of Canada is supporting the effort.

Online Learning Resources

The Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) announced that all classroom courses onsite events and in person programs are suspended until further notice. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the CSPS has made available virtual events and online courses, including self paced required training and language maintenance tools.

The School offers free, online self-assessment tools, and online language learning including self-directed evaluation simulations and interactive tools designed to improve oral and written comprehension, pronunciation, grammar, written expression and fluency in the second official language.

Find out what is on offer here: Learning path for maintaining your second language

Second Language Self Assessment

The Public Service Commission (PSC) also offers online self-assessment tests for written expression and reading comprehension so you can practice before you take official second language tests. These tests give you an idea of the level (A, B or C) you might attain on the official test, provide unofficial results, are various lengths and duration and are available online. Self-assessment tests in your second language

Remote Language Testing

Human resources specialists and others can learn more about second language testing during Covid-19. The Public Service Commission developed online testing as a temporary measure to help departments staff bilingual positions while the situation related to COVID-19 is ongoing. This includes second language interview guides and test for written expression and reading comprehension.

Covid-19 Second language Tests

Covid-19 Glossary in Two Languages

COVID-19 is a global situation and it requires vocabulary that is understood by everyone. In Canada, this means consistent terminology in both official languages. To make it easier, a glossary was created as a tool for language professionals and communicators where you will find terms from the fields of medicine, sociology and politics, among others.

New glossary on the COVID-19 pandemic

Posted October 2020