Partner Assisted Learning and Learning English
By Mary Packham
Canada accepts about 250,000 new immigrants annually, with 80 per cent eventually becoming Canadian citizens.
The process of becoming a Canadian citizen can take several years, and can be additionally difficult if a prospective Canadian doesn't speak English.
Often there is a honeymoon period when new Canadians arrive because they are thrilled to finally be here, but they often end up being overwhelmed and even depressed about all the new aspects of Canada to learn and process, especially the language. This is where Partner Assisted Learning (PAL) can help.
Our goal is to support learners so they can actively participate in our society by working, voting, volunteering and, of course, by enjoying all that our area has to offer.
In 100 Mile House and area, PAL regularly offers English as a second language support every year to immigrants, assisting up to 75 people a year in improving their English. Some of these learners are new to Canada, while others have been here for up to 40 years, but all still need support, even if they are already Canadian citizens.
People come to PAL for help in understanding Canadian educational, political or cultural differences, as well as for help with immigration forms, insurance, wills, shopping, and citizenship applications.
Most of our learners have a German or Swiss-German mother tongue. Many have travelled extensively in Canada and have selected our area because of its characteristics of natural beauty including our lakes, our wildlife, and the log homes that can be purchased here.
We also have learners from many other countries, such as the Czech Republic, Portugal, China, Paraguay, Spain, Philippines, Russia, Korea, and Columbia. They may have come here for work, or because a family member already lived here.
Most first need help in confidently understanding and speaking English, and later with reading and writing. Others come with a good ability to read and write English already, but can't speak it very well.
All want to participate in meaningful discussions at a level where they can express their opinions and feelings, talk about things that are important to them, and "read between the lines" during conversations.
Unfortunately, owing to the many roots of our language and all of the exceptions for spelling and grammar, English is one of the most difficult languages to learn. We use a lot of idioms or expressions that don't translate accurately.
For example, what does "raining cats and dogs" really mean? When learners translate each word it doesn't make sense.
There are also cultural differences in how far apart people stand when they are speaking to each other, whether it is acceptable or welcome to touch or hug, what tone of voice is acceptable, and how strongly one should state their opinions.
At PAL, along with a volunteer tutor who works one-to-one weekly with each learner, we offer weekly English Cafes, which are English-speaking practice groups where anyone can come and practise their English. Usually there is a theme, and often a guest speaker or field trip to support learning new vocabulary and so newcomers learn about outlying areas, historical areas, and areas of natural beauty, service groups, and community services.
If you know of anyone who is interesting in joining us to learn or practise English or to learn to become a tutor, please refer them to me, Mary at PAL at 250-395-0404 for more information and to get on our e-mail list of cafes.
Mary Packham is the literacy co-ordinator for Partner Assisted Learning and English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.