Q&A for How to Talk Like a Canadian

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  • Question
    I want to further my studies in Canada. Should I learn a British or Canadian accent? Which one is easy?
    C Grace
    Community Answer
    Either accent will work. In fact, as a Canadian, I can tell you that there are people from hundreds of countries living here and we can understand almost any accent. When you get here, if you have trouble making yourself understood, ask one of your classmates or new friends to help you with your pronunciation. Many places also offer "English as a Second Language" courses, to help immigrants improve their skills. Also, be aware that some of the phrases and pronunciations mentioned in this article are very localized. We don't all sound the same, just like people from the U.S. don't all sound the same.
  • Question
    I was born in the Philippines, and I'm half Canadian, but I don't have the accent. How can I get my Canadian accent?
    C Grace
    Community Answer
    If you are still in the Philippines and moving here, don't worry! There are lots of Filipinos here in Canada and we don't have any trouble understanding your accent. If you are living in Canada, just keep listening and copying what you hear. Newscasts are excellent sources for learning local pronunciation. Then when you go back to visit, you will be teased about your Canadian accent!
  • Question
    Do they use this kind of pronunciation in Alberta and Blairmore?
    Community Answer
    Some people may use this pronunciation, but it is not as exaggerated as they say in the article. Many people in Canada speak in an American or British way, so it doesn't really matter.
  • Question
    I have come to Vancouver for just 2 months. How can I improve my speaking and accent?
    Community Answer
    The best way is to speak as frequently as possible with those who are native to the area.
  • Question
    What does a Canadian accent sound like in Nova Scotia?
    Community Answer
    Like Ontario's, but with a little East Coast spice. Kind of like Newfie, but watered down.
  • Question
    Do Canadians sound like Americans?
    Community Answer
    Some people say Canadian accents just sound like Californian accents, so that could be correct depending on the people you are comparing. Also, Canada is very diverse and it’s hard to find a definite accent - most people actually say “abowt”, not “aboot”.
  • Question
    Do Canadians say aboot (about) like a-boot? How would they say 'about'?
    Happy_Cat2000
    Community Answer
    That is just a stereotype. Most Canadians will pronounce it the same way you would in America.
  • Question
    What accents do people have in Ontario?
    IshitaKP
    Community Answer
    The Ontario accent is probably what most people think of when they think of the Canadian accent. A popular identification of the Ontario accent is the dropping of the 'T' after an "N". (For example, when pronouncing 'Toronto,' Torontonians often say it as 'Tuh-ron-oh.)
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