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Standard Canadian English is distinct from Atlantic Canadian English, its most notable subset being Newfoundland English, and from Quebec English. Accent differences can also be heard between those who live in urban centres versus those living in rural settings.
- 20.1 million in Canada (2016 census), about 15 million, c. 7 million of which with French as the L1
- Overview
- Learning Canadian Pronunciation
- Incorporating Canadian Slang
- Embodying the Canadian Attitude
Canadians are friendly people with a unique worldview that shows through in their slang and language use. Their pronunciation is a bit different than American English (especially noticeable in the well-known “aboat” instead of “about” pronunciation). But with a little bit of practice and a lot of “ehs” added in, you’ll be able to talk like a Canadi...
Diphthongs are two vowels that combine to make a single sound in one syllable. Canadians typically emphasize a single syllabic vowel sound, rather than moving from one vowel sound into another.
In this way, words with an “ou” or “ue” are typically pronounced “oo.” For example, “about” becomes “aboat” and “Tuesday” becomes “Tooz-day.”
Canadian English is quite similar to British English in many ways. Some Canadians pronounce the word “avenue” as “avenyew,” which is similar to the British pronunciation. Canadians often say “mum” instead of “mom.” They say “pardon me” more often than “excuse me.”
Canadians even maintain the British spelling of many words. For example, “neighbour,” “flavour,” “labour,” “centre,” and “theatre.”
Canadians also use the metric system for most measurements.
Say “zed” instead of “zee.”
One major difference between Canadian English and American English is their use of “eh.” Canadians use this word/sound instead of things like “huh” or “you know.” They also use it to indicate they want someone to repeat or explain something that was just said, instead of other question words like “pardon?” or “excuse me?”
For the Canadian pronunciation, “eh” rhymes with “hay.”
A Canadian might say, “The weather is nice, eh?” Whereas an American might say, “The weather is nice, huh?”
Learn the slang for Canadian money.
Canadians call their one-dollar coins “loonies,” and the two-dollar coins “toonies.” A five dollar bill is often called a “fiver.” And a ten dollar bill is often called a “ten-spot.”
The loonie was given this name because of the loon featured on the coin. The toonie is a combination of the words “two” and “loonie.” Also, it's just kind of fun, and it rhymes.
Canadians are well known for their helpful and polite nature. While this may be a based on a stereotype, many studies have shown that Canadians actually are nicer than their American neighbors to the south. If you want to talk like a Canadian, you need to increase your levels of politeness.
Always hold the door for people. Smile at people on the street. Apologize if you bump into someone. Avoid overt sarcasm unless you’re speaking to people you know well.
Give personal space when talking.
Canadians are friendly people, but they like their personal space too. Studies have shown that Canadians generally prefer at least 14 inches between themselves and the person they are speaking with.
Don’t crowd people or get in too close to their personal space.
Emphasize the phrase “North American.”
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Sep 21, 2016 · Where does Canada’s accent come from? 21 September 2016. By Thomas Rogers,Features correspondent. Alamy. The way Canadian English is pronounced is close to the US accent – but it’s...
Aug 20, 2015 · (Credit: iStock) America’s neighbour resisted annexation by the US and its people remained subjects of the British monarch. But Canada’s English isn’t British or American, writes James...
