Think Bilingual Encourages Understanding

Accredited by the French Ministry of Education as a trainer and examiner, Dr. Hind Louali founded Ecole Jean-Jacques Rousseau (the French School of Austin) in 2005. In addition to directing the school’s bilingual arts, music, and math curriculum, Dr. Hind Louali serves as a member of the board of directors with the organization Think Bilingual.

Created to cultivate multicultural understanding in the Austin community, Think Bilingual believes that language learning is just one aspect of building meaningful relationships. Even among individuals with a common language, differences in political, religious, and cultural beliefs can create conflict and prevent connection. To nurture empathy in a diverse society, learning to engage in difficult conversations is imperative. Listening to other people with different perspectives, even when you do not agree, requires discipline and patience.

Additionally, it helps to recognize that your own perspective likely includes personal biases that might make you less open to those of another group. Simply acknowledging these biases can go a long way toward building empathy. Finally, educate yourself on the dynamics and socioeconomic hierarchies of different social groups, as historical context often inspires insight and appreciation. For a list of resources designed to build unity, visit www.thinkbilingual.org.