English learning issues in Canada: Suggestions for an easier command

Abstract

In many countries, residents who do not have a perfect command of its official language(s) are a cause for concern for many people including themselves, parents, educators, and policymakers. A 2011 study found that a significant number of Canadian residents, representing fourteen percent of the total population, don't have knowledge of English, which is the predominant official language in the country (Statistics Canada, 2011).

Unfortunately, this lack of English command is not a new phenomenon and researchers have been studying this issue for many decades. There are many reasons which explain the lack of language control: illiteracy issues, being a native Canadian for whom English is a Second Language, or being a recent immigrant. This paper will first discuss the different difficulties that someone who does not command the official language can face, and then propose a number of factors that can be addressed by stakeholders to help lessen these difficulties.

Integration in cultural groups, involvement in education and more generally the perseverance of the learners all have an impact on whether or not a resident adopts a language. An understanding of factors affecting perfect command of English can assist parents, educators, and policymakers in their attempts to help the stakeholders in attaining a better assimilation.