A proposed new language curriculum for B.C. schools, that would see Punjabi and other languages carry the same weight in the classroom as French, is worrying some educators.

Under the new proposal, French would carry no more weight than Punjabi, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish in B.C.'s schools.

"I think that French and English are two official languages and, you know, that is the character of our country and there needs to be an understanding that French and English have a primary place in our schools," said B.C. Teachers' Federation president Susan Lambert.

She said many teachers fear the move could mean French will lose its place in schools as one of Canada's two official languages.

However, the proposal is being met with enthusiasm by Balwant Sanghera with the Punjabi Language Education Association.

"All of us — Punjabi, Chinese, Mandarin — we have to struggle, we have to talk to the school, we have to convince them."

Sanghera said more schools should offer courses in those languages. "When our ancestors came here, they brought their language Punjabi with them, same with the Chinese people," he said.

"So I think these languages have an origin, a history, in Canada."

The B.C. Teachers' Federation is meeting Friday to discuss the issue.

Lambert said feedback on the proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Education. The ministry has said comments and recommendations will be taken into consideration.