CANADIAN, EH ?

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

The term PC or political correctness is one that is often referred to by Canadians. Political correctness is essentially the alteration of language so as not to offend or discriminate against people. In Canada, we have many “politically correct” terms in our language.

Examples of PC expressions include using the term “differently-abled”, instead of disabled or crippled. It is also commonly used for race or ethnic groups. One of the original PC terms was “African-American”, as opposed to black, Negro or colored. Another example is the use of the term “vertically challenged”, instead of short.

Recently, "political correctness" is used seriously by some people and jokingly by others. Some people feel that political correctness has gone too far, and others feel strongly that it brings peoples' unconscious biases into awareness. Regardless, you will notice that many Canadians use politically correct terms when speaking.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

Do you find understanding informal greetings confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with the meanings and how to respond to the many informal greetings in the English language.

Here are some common confusing questions and their typical responses:

"How’s it going?" (this means how are you doing?)
RESPONSE: Good, great, not bad.

"How are you making out?" (this means how are you doing, but can also be used when asking someone about their progress on a specific task/project.)
RESPONSE: Good, great, not bad or give some detail about how the task/project is going.

"How come?" (this means why?)
RESPONSE: Because…..

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

One of the skills that is often least practiced and can really help to improve overall communication skills is writing. Students who practice writing can often identify mistakes that are made when speaking and can also improve vocabulary.

One way to practice writing is through keeping a journal. The best thing to do is to write a small amount (maybe a half a page) everyday about what you have done. If you feel that this is too much, try writing at a minimum once a week and then write one or two pages. A journal is a great way to record your experiences, thoughts and actions, and at the same time, improve your English skills.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

Here are the answers to our Canada quiz from the last edition of Canadian,eh?

1. 10 provinces
2. 3 territories
3. True (although some people now argue that it is the largest landmass)
4. Prime Minister (currently Paul Martin)
5. 6 times zones
6. a warm hat usually worn in winter
7. July 1st, 1867
8. the Native word "kanata" which means village

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

Do you find understanding jokes confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with understanding humor. This is often because of the use of double meanings of words or phrases. See if you can figure out why this joke is supposed to be funny:)

The newlywed couple were checking into the hotel. The new groomapproached the desk clerk. He said he wanted the best for they were ontheir honeymoon. The clerk asked the man if he wanted the bridal."No," he said, "I don't believe I'll need it. I'll just grab onto her ears and hold on 'til she gets used to it."

The joke is that the clerk asked the man if he wanted the bridal. The clerk meant the “bridal suite”, which is a special room for honeymoon couples. The man understood the word bridle (which has the same pronunciation as bridal) which means the set of straps that is put around a horse’s head and mouth for the rider to control it.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.