The University of Montreal in Canada is a primarily French-language institution. Credit: Marc Bruxelle / Getty
English is my mother tongue, so for a long time I didn’t have to think much about talking about science in a different language, which many researchers have to do every day. But my privilege changed in July 2020, when I started my research group as a young professor at the University of Montreal, a French-language institution in Quebec, Canada. I now communicate daily in both English and French: during meetings with colleagues and collaborators; in interacting with students on commissions and exams; when writing scholarships and teaching; and for administrative tasks.
When I moved to Montreal after my postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, I had a solid but rusty foundation in French grammar and vocabulary. He had taken French classes as a child in Ontario, Canada, and as an undergraduate student from 2010 to 2012, but there was much room for improvement.
For the past two years, I have been communicating science in French to the general public, the wider scientific community, and postgraduate students at the university. I believe that learning to communicate science effectively in a language other than English has helped me to become a better general science communicator.
Don’t be afraid to try
Explaining my research to a general public in a second language was a challenge. But with continuous practice and opportunities, I began to find my starting point. For example, shortly after I started at the University of Montreal, I gave an interview in French about my research projects and goals for a blog at my university-affiliated hospital. This was a great opportunity but also a great test of my skills.
I have learned to keep practicing and to have confidence in myself and my ability. It is important not to be afraid to make mistakes or ask for help. The main goal is to convey the message clearly, which is not the same as articulating with perfect grammar or pronunciation all the time.
They continually offer me new opportunities for scientific communication in French. These include teaching concepts in my field of computational human genomics to graduate students (and perhaps soon to undergraduate students) and preparing and correcting exam questions and assignments. In the first quarter of 2022, I taught my first postgraduate classes in French. This will help me streamline content and articulate key messages in an engaging and consistent way, as suggested by student feedback and performance during class activities and homework.
Success factors
I have also faced difficult tasks, especially learning the specific slang of the French countryside and translating slides, summaries, course material, and so on. In parallel with these academic challenges, I must address administrative and management tasks in a second language (including ordering laboratory equipment, filling out forms for student thesis committees, and meeting protocol requirements). ethical).
It has not always been easy or convenient to include French in my professional life. However, starting with a good foundation has given me a big advantage, even though I am still learning. These are some other factors that have allowed me to make substantial progress on the path of science communication in French.
A strong support system. The university has an individual tutoring program to help teachers who do not speak French fluently with their communication, professional or in daily life. The program is flexible and is structured according to the schedule and needs of the faculty. I am very grateful to my French tutor, my fellow French speakers as my first language, and to the members of my research group. They always provide me with a safe and supportive space to communicate by editing my written work, commenting on my lecture presentations, and helping me navigate administrative tasks. They have been my animators, encouraging me throughout the process.
Desire to learn. I appreciate the value of using a second language, which gives me a strong sense of motivation to keep learning and improving.
Many opportunities to practice. Montreal is a bilingual city (French and English) and there are many opportunities to use both languages ​​professionally and in everyday life.
Despite the challenges, speaking and writing about science in a language other than English has helped me communicate more effectively with the general and scientific public, and it has been rewarding!
This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their experiences and professional advice. Guest posts are recommended.
Competitive interests
The author declares that there are no competing interests.