Stories of Canada (3)

“Me, my husband, and then-fourteen year old son arrived to Canada on April 2018. That was a culmination of a year and a half immigration process, and our first time in North America. Since then, our lives changed forever in so many different ways, we were aware and prepared to face numerous challenges, but my most surprising one was… speaking! Don’t get me wrong: I speak English fluently since I turned eight, I worked in English speaking teams, I write and publish my works in English, and I was invited as a mentor and presenter to multiple marketing programs in English. But once I arrived to Canada, everyday conversations in English became a challenge!

I could spend eight hours at work communicating with my team and clients in English easily, but once I was out in the street, asking for directions, doing grocery shopping, or introducing myself at non-work related events felt different, My speech started stumbling, a heavy accent that I didn’t have for years became obvious, I couldn’t find words to explain event the easiest concepts Situation persisted for a couple of month. I blame nervousness and anxiety that are usual after such a big move for that. Things gradually improved when I got used to new environment. So I think it’s wise to keep such possibility in mind even for the most well spoken immigrants’’ – Natasha K, Brand Consultant, Toronto

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