Blog
Code Switchers: Je Suis Bilingue
EB has a proud tradition of celebrating bilingualism through music and community events like Chorale de la Baie. This year, G2 students got to perform an original song (Je Suis Bilingue) and take part in a demo radio interview!
Code Switchers: The Super Power of Being Bilingual
In March, EB’s G2 students proudly represented our school at Chorale de la Baie, an annual celebration of bilingualism and music held in San Francisco. This annual local tradition brings together choirs from French-American schools across the Bay Area to perform and connect through song, showcasing the beauty–and benefits–of bilingual education and cultural exchange.
Our students performed Je Suis Bilingue, an original song written by our talented music teacher, Anne Kuhry (Watch their live performance here). The song speaks to the unique ability of our students to code-switch between English and French, celebrating their bilingual identities. With lyrics like "Je voyage avec les mots, c’est mon avion" ("I travel with words, they are my airplane"), the song highlights how speaking multiple languages empowers students to explore new horizons, both culturally and intellectually.
As an added bonus, G2A students got to take part in a career day demonstration radio report, thanks to G2 parents, Brian Watt and Daisy Nguyen, who both work at KQED! Though the segment was not aired, the kids got a firsthand feel of what it is like to be interviewed. Listen to the full audio demo here. Thank you Daisy and Brian!
Behind the Music
In the radio interview, we learned how Anne Kuhry composed “Je Suis Bilingue” during a summer spent in France, where she found inspiration while waiting for her U.S. visa. Moved by a concert by French singer Francis Cabrel, she channeled her creativity into writing six songs for EB, including this one.
In the radio interview, we learned how Anne Kuhry composed “Je Suis Bilingue” during a summer spent in France, where she found inspiration while waiting for her U.S. visa. Moved by a concert by French singer Francis Cabrel, she channeled her creativity into writing six songs for EB, including this one.
The Power of Bilingualism
Mathieu Edan, one of the G2 teachers who helped organize the activities, shared his thoughts on how bilingualism equips students with what he calls a "superpower." He explained how switching between languages not only enhances communication but also influences thinking, expression, and even body language. “It’s like having a passport to explore different cultures,” he said.
The students themselves echoed these sentiments. One student shared how being bilingual helps him when traveling: “I can speak in American and also in languages that people understand.” Another expressed her excitement about making new friends through shared language skills, whether visiting family in France or welcoming French-speaking peers to EB.
A Celebration of Community
Like many things at EB, the event was not just a musical performance—it was a celebration of community, culture, and connection. Thank you to all who made it possible!
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
Elementary School Campus
All Are Welcome! (Anti-Discriminatory Policy)
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley does not exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject any individual to discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or religion. This policy applies to all programs, services, and facilities, including applications, admissions, and employment.
