This study concerns the problems posed by modes of interlinguistic communication, translation, and individual bilingualism, on which depend the quality of relationships between two ethnic communities belonging to a single political entity. It also addresses a frequent question about the need for translation in a bilingual country like Canada. The discussion involves the extent and quality of bilingualism in the Canadian population, bilingualism and biculturalism, the role and function of translation in an officially bilingual country, and reflection on the nature of the translation act. After an introductory review of the history of the French language and sociolinguistic geography in Canada, the discussion moves to the distinction one must make between institutional bilingualism and biculturalism on the one hand, and individual bilingualism on the other. A third chapter analyzes the scope and role of French translations in the socioeconomic and political life of Canada. Finally, the study attempts a theoretical and practical analysis of the role and nature of both oral and written translation. By way of conclusion, the findings of each chapter are synthesized in order to define the relationship which should link translation to other forms of bilingualism. (AMH)