How to improve your English and adapt to Canadian culture

1. Your Canada Journey
2. Life in Canada
3. How to improve your English and adapt to culture

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for many newcomers to Canada is mastering the English language and adapting to the local culture. Canada is a beautifully diverse nation; as per the 2016 Census, over 7.5 million foreign-born individuals call Canada home, representing over one-fifth of the total population. With over 22 immigrant mother tongues spoken by more than 100,000 people each, you are certainly not alone in this journey.

While English and French are the official languages, they are not the mother tongue for most immigrants. Many newcomers invest significant time and effort to learn English to thrive in their new home. This guide provides practical tips, resources, and expert advice to help you finesse your English skills and integrate into Canadian society.

Strategies for Improving Your English

Proficiency in English is crucial for finding employment, accessing services, and building relationships in Canada. Here are some effective ways to enhance your language skills:

Enroll in Language Classes

The program you choose depends on your current level and goals—whether it's mastering the basics or upgrading professional skills. Canada offers various government-funded language programs for permanent residents and protected persons, such as LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada). These classes are free and tailored to different proficiency levels.

For more specific needs, look into services offered by your ethnic community, religious organizations, or specialized immigration centers. Popular organizations offering English language programs include:

• COSTI
• CultureLink
• Canadian Centre for Language and Culture Studies (CCLCS)
• Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto

If you need to upgrade skills for your profession, community colleges and immigrant centers often offer specialized programs tailored to specific fields.

Utilize Digital Tools and Apps

Language learning can happen anywhere. Depending on your goals, there are numerous apps and websites to help you practice:

• Apps: Duolingo, Babbel, and Mauril are great for convenient, interactive lessons that fit into a busy schedule.
• Academic English: Websites like Using English for Academic Purposes (UEfAP) offer extensive resources for improving note-taking and listening skills for academic settings.
• Current Events: Breaking News English provides lessons based on news reports, graded by difficulty level.
• Library Resources: If you have a public library card (like in Toronto), check for free access to platforms like Mango Languages.
• Listening Practice: English Listening Lesson Library Online (ELLO) allows you to choose topics and accents to practice listening comprehension on the go.

Immerse Yourself in English Media

Listening to Canadian radio, watching TV shows, and reading local newspapers can significantly improve your comprehension and familiarize you with Canadian accents and cultural references.

• CBC Learning English: The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation offers lessons and audio related to the news, organized by Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
• Movies & TV: Watch local content to understand the culture. A classic recommendation is the movie Double Happiness (starring Sandra Oh), which explores the immigrant experience.
• NFB Films: The National Film Board of Canada has a vast catalogue of films, including animated shorts like The Sweater, which are excellent for sparking conversation and understanding Canadian history.

The Power of Immersion

There is no magic formula for learning a language—it requires practice and immersion. A common myth is that adults cannot learn languages as well as children. Research shows that adults are just as capable, but children often learn faster because they are immersed in the language environment at school.

Don't let fear hold you back. It's natural to feel shy or worry about making mistakes, but avoiding English situations will only slow down your progress. The key is to surround yourself with English as much as possible:

• Speak English even when it feels uncomfortable.
• Ask friends or colleagues to kindly point out your mistakes so you can learn from them.
• Join your child’s school council, attend community events, or volunteer.

By getting out of your comfort zone and engaging with the world around you in English, you will build confidence and proficiency over time.

Adapting to Canadian Culture

Canadian culture is diverse and welcoming, but it has its unique norms and customs. Understanding these can help you feel more at home:

Embrace Politeness and "Small Talk"

Canadians are known for their politeness. Saying "please," "thank you," and "sorry" frequently is very common. "Small talk"—brief, casual conversations about the weather, sports, or weekend plans—is also a key part of social interaction. Engaging in small talk with colleagues, neighbors, or even strangers in line is a great way to build rapport.

Volunteer in Your Community

Volunteering is a highly valued activity in Canada. It's an excellent way to meet people, gain Canadian work experience, and practice your English. Many organizations are always looking for volunteers, and it can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Canadians love nature, and spending time outdoors is a big part of the lifestyle. Whether it's hiking, camping, skating, or just a walk in the park, participating in outdoor activities can help you connect with the land and the people. Join local hiking groups or sports clubs to meet like-minded individuals.

Respect Diversity and Inclusion

Canada prides itself on being a multicultural society. Respecting different cultures, religions, and backgrounds is fundamental. engaging with people from diverse communities will enrich your experience and help you understand the true fabric of Canadian society.

Remember, adapting to a new culture is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, patience, and effort. By actively working on your English and engaging with the community, you'll soon find yourself feeling more confident and at home in Canada.