Episode 2: Learning a second language

We’ve all heard the same refrain: our parents and teachers telling us over and over that speaking more than one language opens doors and gives us access to many opportunities that we wouldn’t otherwise have!

We’ve all heard the same refrain: our parents and teachers telling us over and over that speaking more than one language opens doors and gives us access to many opportunities that we wouldn’t otherwise have!

Learning a second language (or a third, or even a fourth, for that matter) changes the way you see and interact with the people around you. But it certainly isn’t easy. In order to reap the benefits of the new language you have learned or are learning, there can be many obstacles to overcome.

Learning a second language (or a third, or even a fourth, for that matter) changes the way you see and interact with the people around you. But it certainly isn’t easy. In order to reap the benefits of the new language you have learned or are learning, there can be many obstacles to overcome.

Living in Canada, you’ve probably heard that being bilingual and learning a second language can offer lots of advantages. But let’s be honest. For all the great things it gives you, bilingualism also comes with many challenges—challenges that often go unspoken. And, as we know well, the challenges that come with bilingualism aren’t just limited to spelling and grammar; they also involve politics, culture and identity! Because a language is more than just words. For many Canadians it can be very personal.

Living in Canada, you’ve probably heard that being bilingual and learning a second language can offer lots of advantages. But let’s be honest. For all the great things it gives you, bilingualism also comes with many challenges—challenges that often go unspoken. And, as we know well, the challenges that come with bilingualism aren’t just limited to spelling and grammar; they also involve politics, culture and identity! Because a language is more than just words. For many Canadians it can be very personal.