Written by Nicolás Urena

How is it that in the same country so many languages are spoken at the same time and yet people still understand each other? Unlike much of Latin America, where only the native Spanish is spoken, in Canada two official languages are used, English and French, but due to constant immigration the inhabitants create small communities in which they also speak their own languages, such as German, Portuguese, even Ukrainian, and many more. 

Everyone who arrives in this country hears very different languages and that is where the exciting part of multicultural Canada begins and its first great challenge: to speak English and/or French. The amazing thing is that people, sooner rather than later, do manage to communicate effectively.

How can you live among so many different languages? In this article of our Planet Immiland Blog I will tell you how and why it is possible, so I invite you to read with me until the end. Let's get started!

The challenge of Canadian multilingualism

In Canada, the laws and policies have established the bilingualism of English and French as official languages, so its inhabitants must master at least one of the two. Since childhood, Canadians learn these two languages naturally and manage to get by in both languages, although there are natives who speak only one of these languages and for them it is a challenge to speak with their own bilingual peers. 

When we are foreigners, we must reflect on the challenge of living in Canada because if everyone stays in his or her own linguistic world, without having a simple conversation in a café or supermarket, for example, it will be impossible for us to lead a normal life, make real friends, have a partner or, even worse, find a job. Settling here is one of the best experiences that many foreigners have had, but all of them had to learn a second language and improve it more and more. 

At the beginning it is a challenge, however, the daily life itself leads the newcomer to speak English or French, depending on the province he/she has chosen to live in. In the beautiful and charming city of Montreal, French is spoken, and in sunny Victoria, most people speak English. 

From confusion to bilingual adaptation in Canada

The first thing we must understand about this beautiful country is that living in it is like being in two different territories at the same time, each with its own history, because English and French come from a particular past, with traditions and peculiar ways of seeing the environment, however, British and French culture are harmoniously shared in Canada. When immigrants arrive here, they perceive from the elegance and beauty of French to the pragmatism and versatility of English, and each one begins to lean towards one language or the other according to his or her personal essence. 

Of course, when a foreigner arrives in Canada, he/she experiences a state of natural confusion at the beginning because he/she is just discovering the phonetics of the natives. The new immigrant has to adapt to the common idioms and phrases of this country in order to fit into the environment because it can be very frustrating to want to communicate a simple message and not know how and not be understood.

Important: A good preparation is the key to success in migrating to Canada, whether to study or to work. A high score in the language (English or French) not only increases the chances of acceptance in universities and immigration programs, but also facilitates communication and adaptation in a new Canadian cultural and professional environment. I invite you to take a look at our English and French and French programs from scratch. We also have the offer for the Express Entry Course to bring you closer to permanent residency. Read on!

Assimilating the multicultural richness of Canada begins by imagining that, when we go out to see its streets for the first time, we will immediately see the brightly lit signs in English or French, the quick conversations between inhabitants, the typical faces of each country, etc., and we must be prepared to understand so much diversity. In fact, there may be a strong emotional impact at first because it is so much new information all together, but it is certainly beautiful and exciting to have this varied world at your fingertips in a single trip, so it is like living constantly among multiple languages, a mixture of confusion the first days, curiosity and desire to learn, and satisfaction of being part of this rich exchange!

Important: in Canada, each language offers a unique window for professional, work and/or family expansion. If you lived in Canada, which language would you speak more: English or French? I invite you to take the Planeta Immiland free placement test to find out. to find out.

Getting by in Canada thanks to the language

Learning to live between two official languages makes us true citizens of the world. Foreigners who study or work in Canada have access to better jobs, higher pay, more friends and enjoy the cosmopolitan dynamics typical of Canadians to the fullest. In addition, festivals, exhibitions and very colorful recreational activities are held here, such as the Quebec Carnival or the Calgary Stampede, these events are spectacular and bring together people from all countries of the world, they can get to know the music, dance and gastronomy of many cultures together.

I want to mention that the native French and English-speaking communities in Canada are very friendly and there are always people of all ages willing to share their traditions, to talk and to show the human warmth that characterizes them, this is a very Canadian way of life and foreigners can learn a lot about the language by interacting with bilingual people. 

In short, living in Canadian multilingualism is a direct pass to knowledge, adventure, effort and self-improvement and, although it takes time, it is well worth the experience.

If you are thinking of emigrating to Canada or you already live here and it is still a challenge to communicate in so many languages, the best thing to do is to prepare yourself and study English or French. Many Spanish speakers have succeeded and today hold important and well-paid jobs, have a beautiful family in this country and are part of an advanced society.

I invite you to visit our website and discover the online and in-person courses we offer with a focus on immigration to Canada. See https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/

Success in your new multilingual life in Canada!

With love,

Planet Immiland