If you’re like me, and live in any part of English Canada, you probably don’t think twice about what a privilege it is to have grown up speaking English. Since being here in Montréal, I have begun to understand what this privilege means. Another definition for ‘privilege’ could be ‘an advantage gained primarily by no work our own doing’. In other words, I was born in BC to English-speaking parents, it just happened and I didn’t have to do anything to receive it. It’s a privilege. The difference between being an English speaker versus any other language, is that it is the language of the world. One in five people can speak or understand English. It is also the language of media – music, film and the internet. So, you might be asking, ‘I speak English, so what’s the big deal?’ THAT is the big deal! If you don’t realize it, then you are privileged. We take it for granted. Things we take for granted as native English-speakers:
All this to say, if someone who isn’t a native English speaker is ever having difficulty communicating to you, and they have a strong accent, be patient. You did nothing to learn English. You are privileged to know what you know. If you are travelling, and you find people who know English, be thankful and courteous. You are privileged, and they worked hard to learn your language.
2 Comments
Abigail
12/3/2019 09:48:30
Thanks Tom and Val...You have done well to address our English privilege and the plight of those who grew up in a French only household and now speak very little English. I know some people like this...well sadly I will never really know them because of the language barrier. I felt a deep sadness for them as I read your post. They are a ‘hidden peoples’ right here in Canada. Thank you for saying yes to the call to learn the language and break through the barrier with friendship and the Gospel. 🙏👍
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Don Muir
12/3/2019 19:38:06
Let's blame those tower builders Ge 11:4...
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AuthorTom & Val, off on a mid-life adventure (but not crisis) in la belle province! Archives
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