You have been practicing your English speaking skills ever since you learned your first phrases. You have been hammering away at grammar rules and soaking up English vocabulary like a sponge.
Idioms and similes are your forte! You love putting English words together to express your ideas. Is all that of work in vain?
The rise of nationalism threatens global growth. In these unquiet times, people everywhere are scrambling to gain an advantage – in the workplace, in academics and in financial markets, even as borders threaten closure and citizens of various countries revert to an 'us first!' mentality.
Considering all that, should learning English be at the top of anyone's list?
Learning English in Canada
Are you a student in any institute of learning in Canada? Chances are you must have come across the term "ESL," and maybe you are wondering what it means. You might have tried to think of the meaning of this acronym. In straightforward terms, ESL refers to English as a second language. It is used in places where English is not the predominant language of communication.
In many places in Canada, different languages are spoken, and an attempt to learn English in those areas will mean they are learning it as a second language. Interestingly, there are universities in Canada that offer English as a second language courses for beginners.
But, what about the English language makes it so popular? Where can you find courses tailored to your needs for someone interested in learning this widely spoken language? What are some of the benefits of learning English as a second language?
All these questions and more will be addressed as Superprof examines in detail all the many sides to learning English in Canada.
Let's start with the popularity of the language in Canada and other countries.
How popular is the English language?
Going by the facts, English is a prevalent language spoken by many people across major countries. The popularity of the English language cannot be separated from the colonial prowess of Great Britain. Many of the third-world countries today were colonized by the British. As a result of this colonization, English became their native language.
Also, some countries, though not colonized by the British, still speak English. The only difference is that these countries adopt English as a second language. Canada is one such country that embraces English as a second language. So, you can have people who speak French or any of the indigenous languages in Canada taking an ESL Course.
As we would see later, the many benefits of English relating to social, political, and economic interactions are why many invest in learning English as a second language. ESL meaning is becoming relevant in Canada because it is needed to carry out business.
English, the language of science
Until the early 20th century, scientists held conferences and published new findings in German. Due to great advancements in the world of medicine and physics, as well as the political climate at the time, English became the preferred speech of the scientific community – initially in Europe, and soon throughout the world.
Today, an estimated 98% of all scientific papers are published in English.
Science is no longer the purview of those trained in the discipline. Environmental and health concerns impact everyone and we all bear the responsibility of protecting the future. The more you learn of scientific terms, the more you can participate.
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Why is it important to learn English?
Whether you intend to use the language in your daily life or you are simply interested in studying the speech that more than 1.5 billion people across the globe can converse in, learning English makes sense.
English is spoken worldwide
As an English learner, you are among the global ranks of those who study English as a foreign language. Your fluency in English can help you secure employment in the most competitive markets. Learning business English could increase your chances of being hired by a multinational corporation.
Whether you choose to demonstrate your proficiency with the English language through employment with a Fortune 500 company, compose theses for a scientific journal or quietly help those around you to learn English, rest assured that you are a member of a large, global, English speaking community.
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Global trade will not stop overnight
In spite of news reports hinting at tighter borders and more stringent import laws, international trade companies will continue to ship goods around the globe. The language of business is English, and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
If you are studying English as a second language, you might consider developing a business English vocabulary as well, so that you might participate in, and benefit from this lucrative employment sector.
Tourism and hospitality industry
According to the latest reports, people from all over the world are traveling to discover new cultures and lands.
The premier language of the tourism industry is English.
People of all ages, all over the world are taking English lessons online, if only to be understood when they leave their native land.
Employers like bilingual employees
Global industries such as technology, science and fashion are not restricted to any one country, or its native language.
Academics are not limited to a single nation's history, culture and politics, either.
Teachers, tutors and technicians, even sales professionals who are proficient at more than one language – one of them being English - tend to earn more, and enjoy greater competitiveness in the workplace.
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Learn how to make English learning easy with our guide to simplifying ESOL courses.
Where can you find the best ESL course?
It is always easier to love a language than to learn it. For many who want to learn English as a second language in Canada, finding the best ESL course is a challenge. In deciding what ESL course to take, you have to assess your level of proficiency. Many of the courses available are determined based on the level of students.
While some courses are well suited for beginners, others are for intermediate learners. Ascertaining your proficiency level makes it easy to choose the right course. There are three places to find ESL courses in Canada.
First, you can apply to any of the Canadian universities to study English as a second language. These universities have a detailed syllabus to help beginners speak English fluently. As an English student in these universities, you will be taught the language basics and how to communicate effectively. Teachers also try to pay as much attention to written English as they do to spoken English.
The next place to get the best ESL course suited to your needs is the internet. While a lot has been said about technological advancement, the access to information it provides remains the height of it. By surfing the internet, you can understand ESL meaning, study English rules, and interact with native speakers.
Several free and paid courses are available on the internet to learn English. The free classes are introductory and don't come with a certificate upon completion. The paid courses are always more detailed and students who take them get a certificate upon completion.
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Finally, you can take an ESL course with a private tutor in Canada. This is the most recommended way to find the best ESL course in Canada. You may have a 9-5 job to keep up with and not have time to register with a language school. Instead of giving up on your desire to learn English, you can hire a private teacher for English tutoring.
Superprof offers a wide range of teachers who are native English speakers. Are you in Ontario, Edmonton, Quebec, Guelph, or any other part of Canada and need English tutoring services? Then, you should hire an English teacher from Superprof. These teachers can teach you at your home, at their place, or any convenient location for you.
With a private tutor from Superprof, you are sure to get an ESL course that helps you become a fluent speaker in no time!
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What are the best technologies for English tutoring?
Ten years ago, mobile phones were still a novelty; small devices with few features. Something the well-to-do or those at the cutting edge of society couldn't live without. They were more of a status symbol than a functional part of our existence.
Technology continues to make our lives better and learning more accessible. Several technologies exist to aid English tutoring services. One of such technologies for learning English is the podcast. Podcasting has become popular in recent times because of the ease of listening. You can listen to native English speakers on different episodes and pick one or two words or phrases.
Podcasting remains one of the best English learning technologies because you learn new words and use them in a sentence. As you listen, you can check up new words in the dictionary for their meaning and proper pronunciation.
Another technology for English tutoring is the dictionary app. If you have a mobile phone, you can download dictionary applications from your App Store and reference them from time to time. There are many dictionaries that you can choose from, and nothing is stopping you from having multiple dictionaries.
Finally, you can consider using English websites to learn different aspects of the language. You can download audiobooks or watch videos from YouTube to learn English words and phrases and use them in specific contexts.
Did anyone foresee the dominance smartphones would have over our lives?
Everywhere in the world, people are looking for WiFi connections and poring over their small screens. On the bus or the tube, you may have seen people watching movies they'd downloaded. Apps are springing up seemingly overnight.
The language pertaining to electronics is overwhelmingly English. Few languages around the globe have created their own words for the phenomenon of digital technology.
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Iceland has its own technical language but still borrows from English.
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In Poland, words such as joystick, cartridge and interface have made their way into the language, albeit spelled phonetically in that country's language.
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Germany borrows from English wholesale: words such as computer, website, software and others remain the same; verbs such as downloading, crashing and booting retain their English root but are conjugated as German verbs.
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Denglish incorporates everyday English vocabulary into the German language.
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Chinese practice a combination of English word adoption and literal word translation to expand their lexicon of technical and common conversation words.
- France generally resists importing English words; still some terms manage to enter their vocabulary, such as: webcam, boot, reboot, bootable, and email.
Because English words are so often borrowed by other languages, it makes sense to continue to improve your English. Doing so will help you stay competitive in society.
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Find your English place
If you are learning English as a second language, let us give you some tips to claim your place on this global, English speaking stage.
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Learn a few new words and phrases each week and use them often, until they naturally fall into your vernacular.
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Incorporate some slang and idioms, just to make learning English more fun.
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Play word games and take quizzes online.
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Learn how to use verb tenses effectively.
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Keeping a diary in English will help you develop your writing skills.
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To improve your listening skills, watch movies and listen to music.
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Practice your spoken English with native speakers.
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Speak English every day, no matter how poor you think your language skills are.
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Chances are, you are better than you think!
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The more you practice, the more fluent you will become which, in turn, will boost your confidence and desire to learn more English.
Films, music and podcasts to practice English
When you think of movies, does Bollywood or Hong Kong cinema come to mind? Or are you picturing Hollywood blockbusters?
Naturally, these films are all in English. If you need to sharpen your listening skills and improve your reading skills, watching movies with English subtitles is a great way to do it.
Moreover, songs in English consistently top the charts and outsell music from any other country, all over the world. Music is a great way to get familiar with rhyming words and phrases. Singing along can help you with your English pronunciation.
Besides, podcasts in English are topic-specific mono- or dialogues, either video or audio-only, that you can download from the internet and play whenever you like, as often as you like.
You can subscribe to a podcast, if its topic interests to you. New installments will be automatically downloaded to your preferred device - phone, tablet or computer - as soon as they are available.
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The British Council hosts a podcast directed at people who are studying English as a second language, as well as those preparing for IELTS.
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You can subscribe to podcasts that address only business English: how to develop business English vocabulary, proper syntax of business language and how to project competence and enthusiasm while speaking English.
You can listen to podcasts that discuss music, movies, sports or politics, presented by a native English speaker, as a way to improve English comprehension.
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Is an Online English Teacher Canada the Best for you?
Some people are always indecisive about choosing an online English teacher, especially to understand ESL meaning. To clear every doubt, an online English teacher Canada is not the best option for everyone.
If this is so, what then makes an online English teacher best for you?
Determine why you need a tutor
To determine whether an online English tutor is best for you, the first step is to determine why you need one. Are you hiring an online English teacher Canada because you have a busy schedule or want a relaxed learning atmosphere? It might not be easy to make the most of your online lessons until you determine why you need an online teacher.
Determine whether you can afford such services
You also have to consider the cost of hiring an online English teacher Canada. Most of the teachers you will come across require hourly payments. In other words, you pay them for every hour you spend learning English, and the amount charged differs from one tutor to another.
Before choosing an online tutor, ensure you go through their different rates and go with the best and most affordable option per time. However, as you are looking at the cost, pay attention to the lessons' quality.
You must embrace learning online
Not everyone learns best with online lessons. Some students prefer having a teacher who is physically present. As such, before you hop on the online learning bandwagon, ensure it is something you're comfortable with. The advantage of online learning is that you can learn English at any time of the day and from anywhere you are.
When all of these factors have been considered, you can now decide whether an online English teacher in Canada is best for you or not.
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What Do I Get from Learning English?
English is a language that spreads across seas, borders, and regions. Learning this language is mandatory for all individuals, as life takes a lovely turn in the coming years.
English is the people's language. It can strengthen as well as destroy relationships between countries. It holds a strong reputation as the most spoken second language globally while shedding more light on ESL meaning.
Many regions adopt English, and its impact has brought huge changes to the economy. Indeed, English is powerful, but the learning process isn't always smooth.
Many people ask: what do I get from learning English? How does it have an impact on my life? The big question is — why are you depriving yourself of such an opportunity? The following are beneficial for every English student struggling to become better at it:
Improved Vocabulary
Speaking is another skill we can't do without. We tend to interact consciously or subconsciously. With a poor vocabulary, you might not get the desired expression from individuals. Until you work on your spoken words regularly, building new vocabulary may seem impossible.
Improving your vocabulary is important if you must excel as an English speaker. Not only does it change the way you speak, but it also increases your confidence level.
Better Communication Skills
English students are often sound smart speakers. Give them a mic and a stage full of English audiences, and they'd rock it to their taste. Communicating in English exposes you to lots of opportunities.
Most of the jobs, online posts, and positions you see today are compelled with English. You're not going to speak a different language on the interview ground. Unless you learn English perfectly, you may not be able to communicate properly.
Fluency
Fluent English speakers are respected in almost every gathering. When they speak, everyone wants to listen. Studying English helps to perfect this aspect.
How Do I Build My Confidence in English?
English speakers are highly trained students who spend months and maybe years to get to the level they are now. You, too, can achieve fluency with word of mouth. All it takes is knowing the language and communicating with it confidently.
How do I build my confidence in English? This question carries a definite answer, which implies that you have improved your learning skills. But there are ways to build your confidence with regular practices. They are as follows:
Learn Grammar
English grammar is a core concept of the language. It differentiates the good speakers from the average ones. If you want to speak English boldly, you must improve your grammar skills. Also, you must note all the grammatical errors in English language learning to avoid sounding off or awkward.
Study New Words
Take note of words you come across recently. If possible, write them down somewhere. Then practice with these words included in your discussion.
Often when reading a book, you'll come across these words. Don't let them escape your eyesight. To avoid distraction, you can circle or underline these words for future references.
Practice Regularly
Regular practices bring change with time. In Canada, where English seems dominant over other languages, you can practice by involving yourself in minor interactions. Before you know it, your English skills will take a new turn.
What Should I Look for in an English Tutor?
English is an important subject for all students. No matter the field of study, English tutoring is included as part of the curriculum to cover. Students who feel the need to study this language find several ways to learn it. While some study independently, quite a few others hire a tutor.
Lots of benefits come with hiring an online English teacher in Canada. It helps to touch all aspects of the curriculum. Indeed, getting help from someone more knowledgeable sounds like a great idea. But you must pick the right teacher for you, as students often develop attitudes towards their studies when they don't have someone to act as a guide.
With Superprof, you get to meet highly experienced tutors with no other intention than to help struggling students gain academic fulfillment. Our tutors are highly respected individuals from different parts of the world.
Superprof is offering you a chance to do better in your next English exam.
If you must get an English teacher online, ensure you're opting for the right partner. You don't want to regret putting your effort into this, so make it right now, or you may have to do so later. The following traits are often found in professional English teachers:
Commitment
As students engage themselves with studies, so does a tutor commit himself to teach. It's one thing to know English; it's another to teach it. Helping someone understand the language may seem overwhelming. But with several teaching strategies, the language becomes easier to process. Hire a committed tutor for your English assignments today.
Resilience
In education, flexibility highly matters. How you merge ideas to achieve different tasks will determine the level of success you get. A good tutor knows just how to handle multiple tasks at once. Aside from teaching English, he can help students do the same.
Maximum Interest in Your Needs
While hiring someone for English homework help, spend time observing your interactions with the tutor. Is he concerned about your needs? Is the conversation more of him, or does he concentrates on your problems? You help your situation by looking for someone willing to take the burden off your back.
Is Learning English Beneficial Overseas?
Studying this language makes travelling a piece of cake. Over 1.5 billion people interact in English, making it a preferable choice among many. Truly, it is beneficial anywhere.
It is advisable to understand this language before you travel out of the country. Having a good knowledge of English grammar and knowing how to comprehend details is a must-have skill. This helps to create a better travelling experience.
How is English helpful in a foreign land? The following are beneficial ways to use English abroad:
Teach Other People
A lot of people want to learn English. They are desperate to become English speakers. You can take up the task of teaching these people and earn extra income.
Teaching English is now common among many native speakers. Anyone could teach or learn English anywhere. It serves as a side hustle to some people starting a new life in a different region.
English Connects Businesses
The world is evolving, and thousands of businesses adopt English to provide better amenities for themselves and the staff. The business sector surely utilizes English in partnering, joint projects, presentations, and all sorts.
A fluent English speaker in a foreign land has no clue what potential he/she holds. Until it becomes clear to him/her, the importance of English remains a mystery.
English Promote Social Interactions
Every traveler understands the importance of social interaction. Going for a holiday or a business trip in a foreign land, travelers know that they must interact with new people one way or the other. Good English speakers don't have a problem with social interaction, as it serves as a cupcake to them.
Good English speakers must take note of their IELTS test dates and prepare beforehand to gain access to other countries. This is the primary purpose of IELTS Canada.
How Do I Gain Access to English Resources?
Now that you know the importance of studying English, are you interested in learning the language? If yes, then you must gain access to some learning resources.
There are several ways to lay your hands on valuable educational materials. If you haven't hired a tutor, this may not seem easy to achieve, as you may need external help.
English resources are highly necessary for any English class. Tutors have a teaching guide, and they often pass instructions gotten from personal resources to students. In English, you need as many materials as you can get. Below are some tips to help achieve academic fulfillment with advanced learning resources:
Seek Recommendation
Knowledge is power. What you struggle so much to get may be right in front of you. To gain access to the best learning resources, you need solid recommendations and references. Although surfing the internet for valuable resources works for most people, it also produces a level of uncertainty, as you can't tell the potency of what you're about to look into.
Visit the library
The library is open to anyone with zeal to learn. Whether English or any other course, visiting the library helps to sharpen your knowledge. Students who visit this premise have no regrets.
While some wait until exams draw nearer before visiting the library, others visit regularly. It is advisable to take lessons at the beginning of each course.
Partake in Online Tutorials
You never can tell how useful an online tutorial is until you find meaning in its content. Browsing through online tutorials will expose you to tons of opportunities. Getting valuable materials is no big deal if you signed up with a study community or group online. This is a reminder that the internet has everything you need.
Want to improve your vocabulary with efficient English tips? Get a highly trained English tutor on Superprof. Our scholars never snooze when it comes to academics. We put everything aside just for you.
Discover how learning English can give you greater access to higher education and online materials.
Going back to school can look a little different now. Read our Back to School in 2020 to learn more.
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