Canadian English Quiz:

Check your answers below.

1. Easy Question: 

Canadian English pronunciation is similar to American pronunciation.

a) True    b) False

2. Easy Question:

Canadian body language is

a) the same as in other countries      b) different than in other countries

3. More Difficult:

Being able to speak politely in Canada means:

a) using polite words      b) using modal verbs        c) using both

4. More Difficult:

Canadian prefer when you speak:

a) clearly, concisely and to the point        b) vaguely, lengthy and wordy

5. Difficult:

There are ____________ taboo topics in casual conversations.

a) many     b) not too many       c) a few      d) few         e) no

6. Difficult: 

Canadians communication is:

a) very direct      b) direct     c) less direct      d) more indirect       e) indirect       f) very indirect

______________________

Answers:

Being able to understand Canadian English means:

1. You can understand Canadian accent. It is very similar to American accent and together they are called North American accent. To learn more about Canadian accent, click Canadian Pronunciation.
2. You can understand idioms and phrasal verbs often used in Canada. To learn common Canadian expressions, click Phrasal Verbs and Idioms in Canada.
3. You can understand the indirect way of speaking Canadians use to communicate. For example “Would you mind waiting here for a minute?” means “Wait here for a minute.” To learn more, click Discover Canadian Communication Style.
4. You can correctly interpret North American body language. Canadian body language is different than body language of other countries but similar to that of United States. To find out more, click Body Language in Canada.

Being able to speak Canadian English means:

1. You can use the polite language expressions, for example “Would you like…?” and “Could you please…?”, and match the appropriate expression with the right situation in which it needs to be used. Using polite words (sorry, please, thank you, etc.) is not enough – you need to learn the correct use of modal verbs to sound polite. To learn more, click Speaking Politely in Canada.
2. You know which topics are appropriate for Small Talk/casual conversation and which are ‘taboo’ in Canada (for example the question “How old are you?” is not acceptable with anyone older than 24). In Canada, there are many taboo topics in casual conversations. To learn more, click What Canadians Talk About.
3. You can communicate clearly, concisely and to the point which shows respect the other person’s time (that’s important in email and other business communication).
4. You are aware of your own body language and have the ability to adapt it according to the situation.

Read next:

Conversation Management Strategies

What Canadians Talk about

Are you Polite enough in Canada?

Canadian Communication Style

Phrasal Verbs and Idioms in Canada

How to Learn Fast like Children

Body Language in Canada