Berlitz Blog

It’s well-known that Canada is an incredibly diverse country. In fact, one Canadian city rates No. 5 in the world for cultural diversity.

There’s no doubt that foreign language translation apps are growing in popularity. In fact, some people believe they will replace formal language learning.

A previous Berlitz blog discussed the importance of nonverbal communications and how meanings differ significantly from culture to culture. Of special importance, however, is how you use your hands. Hand movements often have a huge impact on how you are perceived in different regions, from very polite to very rude and, sometimes, even hostile and vulgar.

Paul Melhus is an international traveler who wanted to learn a new language, and for good reason. Melhus is CEO and founder of ToursByLocals, a Vancouver-based company that arranges tours for world travelers in 156 countries, using more than 3,000 guides who actually live in the cities being visited.

Some people have a stereotype of celebrities: beautiful, rich, and perhaps not too intellectual.

Canada is one of the most diversified countries in the world. Many cultures and regions have their own opinions and history. Here are some things to know about Canada and French Canadians.

Much has been written about the etiquette of dealing with people of other cultures. Less well documented is the best way to communicate with others electronically.

Here’s a simple process to begin preparing to work, live or visit areas with different cultures than your own.

Which are truths, and which are myths?

Even the most committed language learner sometimes reaches a point when motivation lags. It’s just natural. But, really learning a new language takes persistence.

There’s almost no debate that the Canadian workforce is becoming increasingly diversified, and so are local communities. There’s also little debate about the growing importance of understanding other cultures, both in the workplace and at home.

Language learning doesn’t have to be drudgery, spending monotonous hours studying verb tables and memorizing vocabulary.

It’s almost universally accepted that in today’s global business and economic environment understanding other cultures is a must. However, the increase in immigration is also making it more important that individuals understand the habits and cultures of other people.

Are grinding over verb tables and repeating individual words from a recorder the most effective way to learn a new language?

Every language has slang or key words you should understand to be a fluent speaker or help make yourself understood when you travel. English and French-Canadian are no exceptions.

Few, if any countries, celebrate multiculturalism more than Canada.

In addition to its two official languages, there are more than 200 languages spoken in Canada, from Blackfoot to Tagalog.

It takes a lot of fortitude and determination to learn a second language, but there are some ways to make the task easier.

There is a lot of information about the importance of second-language skills in business and travel. Just as much has been written about the importance of cultural learning. But, not so much information has focused on the importance of both, and how they can work together to make learning both more efficient.

It has been thoroughly documented that learning a second language is good for one’s career, particularly in a bilingual country such as Canada. Bilinguals are more likely to be hired; and then earn higher salaries. As they grow older, language learning has also shown to provide specific health benefits, such as helping delay the onset of such illnesses as dementia.