Culture Shock

By Virginia Dueck:

This evening we talked about culture shock. This is a feeling. (not a disease) It's very common for people entering a new country to experience feelings of frustration and anxiety. Four phases characterize this process of adjustment. Phase 1 is the "honeymoon" phase. People think Canada is great! In Phase 2 people go through a time of crises - they can feel anger, depression and want to reject their new country. When they enter Phase 3, known as the "getting along" stage, they begin to accept Canadian ways and start to feel more relaxed. In the last phase which is sometimes called "back to normal" the individual feels comfortable living in Canada. No one person experiences the phases in the same way, but all newcomers go through a period of adjustment. Having friends, talking about our feelings, listening to music from our country of origin while realizing that our feelings are normal are healthy ways to gradually help us accept our new home. English Café is a place where we welcome our new friends,extend acceptance and give opportunity for heart to heart conversation.

Not surprisingly, newcomers will likely experience reverse culture shock when they go back to visit their native country!

Merry Christmas!

A Dec. 3 Christmas potluck dinner wrapped up this year's sessions. The Christmas story from the Bible was read after which we enjoyed tasty ethnic foods and enthusiastic singing followed. Some parents brought their children and they, very clearly loved the singing. Several groups later sang "Silent Night" in English, German, Spanish, Chinese and French. A festive mood filled the room and we concluded the evening with the singing of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."

See you all on Jan. 7, 2011! Please click "here"

Remembrance Day

By: Virginia Dueck. Canadians commemorate Remembrance Day on November 11. Many people gather at cenotaphs to reflect on the sacrifice our soldiers made and are making to keep peace. At English Café we talked about the meaning of wearing a red poppy. By the way, did you know that some Canadian quarters have a poppy engraved on it?

In Flanders Fields, a well known poem, written by a Canadian was read by one of our volunteers. Other volunteers also spoke of childhood memories in connection with WW11. Students shared thoughts about what peace means to them. We discussed vocabulary related to this topic including the word, “Taps” and to our delight, one of our students gave us a brief vocal rendition of this tune, just so we’d understand the meaning. Finally, we acknowledge that many newcomers value the peaceful life they can enjoy living in Canada.

The Welland Canal

By: Rudy Siemens. The Welland Canal is part of the St. Lawrence Seaway which allows ships passage from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior. A total of 9 obstacles (waterfalls and rapids) were overcome through imaginative engineering feats. The following locks were built starting from near Montreal to Thunderbay: St. Lambert, Cote St. Catherine, Upper and Lower Beauharnois, Snell, Eisenhauer, Iroquois, Welland Canal (8 locks) Soo at Sault St Marie.

At English Cafe, we explored the geographical, the physical, the economic, and social implications of this great waterway.

Happy Thanksgiving

On Monday, October 11, 2010 Canadians are celebrating Thanksgiving. Of course enjoying a big turkey dinner is a highlight, but more importantly, gathering together with friends and family adds to a feeling of togetherness.

We can say that our English Café gathering is a newly acquired family for many. Last Friday we met to learn about Thanksgiving traditions. The chatting, enjoying of snacks and sharing of things for which we are grateful, reminded us to "count our blessings" as we face the challenge of making Canada our new home. Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

(To read further information please go to the page list at the top line and just click on the Cool Facts link) Thank you.

Fifth Anniversary

After Fairview Church completed some renovations with our facilities, many believed it was only right that we open our doors to the community for other activities. At that time, our pastor's wife had become involved with the Host Family program which the Folk Arts Centre sponsors. This led her to the idea of having informal sessions where newcomers could practice their English speaking skills. In addition, many members in our congregation have come from families who immigrated to Canada thus making them aware of the challenges that all newcomers face as they adjust to a new life. (To read further information please go to the page list at the top line and just click on the Fifth Anniversary link) Thank you.

Thank you to English Café

Claudia Quintero is a former English Café Student. Claudia and her family are living in Saskatchewan. She is from Colombia.

Just click the arrow to watch the video.