Sponsor Image InternationalStudent
Yasmin Manjegani, Editor, 90Second Health
Patrick McGrath, OC, PhD, FRSC, Principal Scientist, 90Second Health

Language barriers

Language barriers...
Language, Culture, and Education

Language is how we communicate academic and cultural knowledge. Coming to a new country with a completely different culture and language can be very challenging. 

Many international students come from non-English speaking nations where they were taught in their own language. Adjusting to a completely new academic environment and studying in English can be very stressful. For students who come from English-speaking nations, the transition to formal, academic English can be difficult. In either case, language barriers can be a significant source of stress and can negatively impact international students’ mental well-being.

Social Networks

Language barriers may cause students to feel isolated. It can often be difficult to communicate with other students, professors, and community members. This impacts social interactions and may lower self-esteem. Forming social networks can help students adjust to their new environments, practice their language skills, and provide a sense of community.

 

 

... CALL TO ACTION...

Overcome embarrassment

Learning a new language can be very challenging. Pronouncing a word incorrectly or misunderstanding a phrase are common mistakes that anyone can make. If you are unsure of how to pronounce something, say it anyway. If you say something and a person does not understand the first time, rephrase it or repeat it until they do. It is only through practice that you will learn a new language. Learning new languages takes courage and perseverance. Do not feel embarrassed for trying. It will get easier over time.

 


Take a break 

You may get tired of practicing and speaking a new language all the time. If you feel this way, give yourself a break. Schedule conversation time with a friend who speaks your native language. Take time to share and discuss the new things you’ve learned. This will give you motivation to continue your efforts in learning the new language.

 


Practice

Just like any other skill, learning a language requires practice. The more you speak it, the more fluent you will become. Communicate often in your new language with those who speak it fluently. They can offer advice on how you can improve. Watch movies and listen to music in your new language. Try joining a club, attending a concert, or volunteering in your new language to practice your skills. 


Find support

Take advantage of the many language support services offered to international students on campus. This includes English as a Second Language programs (ESL), which are designed to help students whose first language is not English. You will meet others who are learning English and may even make new friends. If you are feeling overwhelmed, consult with a counsellor on campus to see what supports are available.


Language, Culture, and Education

Language is how we communicate academic and cultural knowledge. Coming to a new country with a completely different culture and language can be very challenging. 

Many international students come from non-English speaking nations where they were taught in their own language. Adjusting to a completely new academic environment and studying in English can be very stressful. For students who come from English-speaking nations, the transition to formal, academic English can be difficult. In either case, language barriers can be a significant source of stress and can negatively impact international students’ mental well-being.

Social Networks

Language barriers may cause students to feel isolated. It can often be difficult to communicate with other students, professors, and community members. This impacts social interactions and may lower self-esteem. Forming social networks can help students adjust to their new environments, practice their language skills, and provide a sense of community.

 

 

Image

Language, Culture, and Education

Language is how we communicate academic and cultural knowledge. Coming to a new country with a completely different culture and language can be very challenging. 

Many international students come from non-English speaking nations where they were taught in their own language. Adjusting to a completely new academic environment and studying in English can be very stressful. For students who come from English-speaking nations, the transition to formal, academic English can be difficult. In either case, language barriers can be a significant source of stress and can negatively impact international students’ mental well-being.

Social Networks

Language barriers may cause students to feel isolated. It can often be difficult to communicate with other students, professors, and community members. This impacts social interactions and may lower self-esteem. Forming social networks can help students adjust to their new environments, practice their language skills, and provide a sense of community.

 

 

CALL TO ACTION

Overcome embarrassment

Learning a new language can be very challenging. Pronouncing a word incorrectly or misunderstanding a phrase are common mistakes that anyone can make. If you are unsure of how to pronounce something, say it anyway. If you say something and a person does not understand the first time, rephrase it or repeat it until they do. It is only through practice that you will learn a new language. Learning new languages takes courage and perseverance. Do not feel embarrassed for trying. It will get easier over time.

 


Take a break 

You may get tired of practicing and speaking a new language all the time. If you feel this way, give yourself a break. Schedule conversation time with a friend who speaks your native language. Take time to share and discuss the new things you’ve learned. This will give you motivation to continue your efforts in learning the new language.

 


Practice

Just like any other skill, learning a language requires practice. The more you speak it, the more fluent you will become. Communicate often in your new language with those who speak it fluently. They can offer advice on how you can improve. Watch movies and listen to music in your new language. Try joining a club, attending a concert, or volunteering in your new language to practice your skills. 


Find support

Take advantage of the many language support services offered to international students on campus. This includes English as a Second Language programs (ESL), which are designed to help students whose first language is not English. You will meet others who are learning English and may even make new friends. If you are feeling overwhelmed, consult with a counsellor on campus to see what supports are available.


assessment, when selecting options, 1 is false, 5 is true.I have difficulty understanding lectures and in-class material in English.please select an option..I have difficulty communicating with classmates and professors in English.please select an option..I face a lot of stress at social events as I find it difficult to communicate in English.please select an option..I feel isolated due to my lack of fluency in English.please select an option..I feel emotionally and mentally drained from trying to communicate in a new language.all dayplease select an option..I find it difficult to express my ideas due to language barriers.please select an option..I feel embarrassed about making mistakes when speaking a new language.please select an option.. Please submit the form to get your assessment.
Personal Story. Personal Story.

I faced a lot of challenges continuing my education in English. I came from a country where English was not the official language. Adjusting to a new environment and an academic program that focused on formal English was very challenging for me. Reading articles and writing papers was the most challenging part. I was struggling academically. 

I joined the ESL (English as a Second Language) program on campus and found this very helpful for improving my reading and writing skills. After only a few months I met a lot of new friends with similar backgrounds and I really improved my English skills. I no longer felt helpless and frustrated when doing my schoolwork. 

I have some friends arriving in Canada to study next term and I strongly recommend that they take advantage of the ESL resources available on campus. There is always room to improve your language skills. 

 

 

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