Alone In Canada - Learning Canadian English

"At first many of us don't speak good English. English is most important here because you have to communicate with people in English when you need something or have a problem. That is why for the past 11 months I have been taking English classes." - Shao-Hui, from China

As a single immigrant, one of your first priorities is to learn English. Speaking the language opens up the society to you. Your level of English affects the jobs you can get and your ability to continue your education.

It is not easy to learn a new language. You can share your opinions and tell jokes in your native language, but in English, you may find it hard to tell people what you are thinking or feeling. This can be frustrating. You may become nervous about speaking to other people. You may be afraid that they will think that you are stupid.

It is normal to feel this way when learning a new language. It may help you to know that many people who were born in this country also make mistakes with their English. In time, you will become comfortable with English and you may even speak and write it more accurately than native speakers! Many newcomers go to Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes to learn English. Here, they are also very likely to make new friends.

You may be a newcomer whose first language is English. But you may speak it with an accent or in a dialect that is unlike Canadian English. You may find that a word or term that you use in your homeland has a different meaning here - different enough to cause confusion. This may make it harder for others to understand what you are saying, and for you to understand them. It can be frustrating.

Allow yourself to make mistakes as you learn English or as you get used to the Canadian accent. Most people understand that learning a new language takes practice. They will admire your effort. Try to accept or laugh at your mistakes and misunderstandings. Do not try to correct every mistake every time - be gentle with yourself.

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