Bridging Generations: AI, Language Learning, and the Bilingual Future of Public Service
In this landmark bilingual episode of Barholex Bilingual Voices, host Steven Barholere is joined by three distinguished guests—Xavier Magloire, Sue-Anne Richer, and Charles Racine—for an unfiltered and timely discussion on the intersection of intergenerational learning, artificial intelligence, and official languages in Canada’s evolving public service landscape.
As organizations grapple with rapid technological change and an increasingly diverse workforce, one question becomes critical: How can we ensure that education, communication, and professional development remain inclusive and effective for all generations?
From seasoned Baby Boomers to ambitious Gen Z professionals, each generation brings unique expectations, values, and learning preferences. In this conversation—conducted fluidly in both English and French—our guests examine how those differences manifest in the workplace, and how a bilingual, adaptive approach can bridge gaps rather than widen them.
Key topics explored in this episode include:
How AI tools like ChatGPT and language apps are changing the game for second language acquisition
Why Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z often approach learning—and unlearning—so differently
The role of institutional culture in either supporting or stifling bilingualism
The emotional and psychological dimensions of language insecurity, especially for public servants
What it takes to cultivate a growth mindset across generational lines in professional settings
Why bilingualism is not only a linguistic asset but a tool for empathy, inclusion, and equity
But this is more than a roundtable—it’s a real conversation, filled with anecdotes, challenges, laughter, and moments of vulnerability. From the tension between tradition and innovation to the opportunities that lie in mutual mentorship, the dialogue opens space for reflection and transformation.
Whether you're a director developing language training programs, a teacher adjusting to tech-driven classrooms, or a newcomer navigating the bilingual expectations of federal institutions, this episode offers insights that resonate deeply and practically. It’s an invitation to rethink how we learn—not just as individuals, but as a community shaped by history, identity, and shared futures.
And most importantly, it reminds us that language is not a barrier—it’s a bridge. And that bridge, when reinforced by intergenerational understanding and inclusive technologies, leads to a stronger, more connected public service.
