When I first arrived in Canada, I had some knowledge of English from what I had learned in Brazil, but it was far from enough to help me navigate my new life here. I had to start learning again as part of my adaptation process. It was during this time that I realized reading would be a key factor in improving my language skills.
Reading for communication and culture
Ever since I was a child, my mom, a university professor in Brazil, has told me that reading is a crucial skill that takes people on wonderful journeys and opens doors to diverse places and situations. But here in Canada, it went beyond that. Reading became a fun activity that helped me adapt to my new life and succeed personally, socially and professionally. I quickly learned that reading was not only enjoyable but also a valuable tool for newcomers to adjust to life in Canada in several ways.
First, reading helped me develop essential language skills for communicating on a daily basis, finding work and participating in the community. The more I read, the better I became at understanding the language and feeling comfortable using it in conversations. Reading not only helped me learn new vocabulary but also allowed me to understand cultural nuances and made my interactions with others more meaningful.
Additionally, reading materials on Canadian history, culture, laws and customs helped me to familiarize myself with my new environment. This knowledge made my transition easier and allowed me to integrate into my community faster.
Reading for integration
Reading also gave me access to vital information about services, healthcare, education, housing, employment and other resources available to newcomers, which helped me settle in. I found out how to navigate life and where to look for support simply by reading websites and other resources. It would have been much more difficult to find this information if I couldn’t read in English.
I’m confident that reading will continue to open many more doors to new opportunities, as it has been a key skill for my integration into Canada. Reading can help newcomers because many job opportunities require the ability to read and understand written instructions, manuals and policies. Strong reading skills are necessary to secure a job and to understand our rights and responsibilities as residents of Canada, including voting, following laws and participating in local and national discussions.
The public library: An invaluable resource
Many public libraries in Canada offer books, magazines and newspapers designed for different reading levels, as well as free second language classes and reading groups for newcomers. Joining a reading group at London Public Library a few years ago has proven to be incredibly important for me as a newcomer to Canada for several reasons. It’s been a great way for me to practise reading in a social setting, and the online sessions give me a chance to discuss what I’ve read with the group, which helps with comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. By meeting and engaging with people from different walks of life and cultural backgrounds who share similar interests, I’ve also had the opportunity to read a wide range of materials that reflect Canadian culture, history and values. This has helped me to improve my reading skills, build social connections and integrate culturally, while avoiding feelings of isolation in a new country.
A reading group for learning and developing
I’ve been learning about notable Indigenous authors in Canada, including Richard Wagamese, who was a powerful storyteller. We read some of his best-known works in our reading group, including The Next Sure Thing and What Comes from Spirit, a collection of short stories that explores themes such as identity, healing, and connection to land and community.
The supportive learning environment in these online sessions has helped boost my confidence and reduce my language anxiety. Having such structured learning has also improved my reading comprehension. I now feel that being exposed to different writing styles, including fiction, non-fiction and short stories, has given me the ability not only to read but also to understand the content, engage in meaningful conversations and share my opinion and knowledge on various topics. I have enjoyed participating in this program. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about my community and to share my cultural background. I’m truly grateful to my local library for providing all these great opportunities.
If you’re a newcomer to Canada, what’s helped you improve your second language skills?
