Page 83 – Algonquin Times

Algonquin College embraces the ‘festival of lights’ during Diwali

Nidhiben Patel hasn’t been away from home for long, but she is already missing her culture in India. “I was feeling homesick. I’ve only been in Canada for two months,” said Patel, a first-year student in the cloud development and operations program, during a Nov. 14 Diwali celebration at Algonquin College. “Even though we’re far […]

Sahlym Florestal

Photos: Sahlym Florestal

November 27, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Sahlym Florestal

Nidhiben Patel dances during the celebration of Diwali in E-building on Nov. 14.

Nidhiben Patel hasn’t been away from home for long, but she is already missing her culture in India.

“I was feeling homesick. I’ve only been in Canada for two months,” said Patel, a first-year student in the cloud development and operations program, during a Nov. 14 Diwali celebration at Algonquin College.

“Even though we’re far from home we can still feel at home. It’s nice that Algonquin College organized this event.”

Students, staff, and alumni were invited by the International Education Centre and the Students’ Association to join the celebrations at the Student Commons on the Ottawa campus.

Algonquin College students dancing to celebrate Diwali in E-Building — Algonquin College students dance to celebrate Diwali in E-building on Nov. 14. Photo credit: Sahlym Florestal

Diwali is a five-day celebration that started in South Asia where Hindu and non-Hindu communities gather to celebrate the triumph of good light over evil darkness.

With a delightful blend of Indian culture, the celebration at the college was free for all attendees. Around 150 students were in the Student Commons, which echoed with the beats of Carnatic music and Bhangra dance. They had the opportunity to adorn themselves with free henna to decorate their bodies.

Diwali is celebrated every autumn between October and November, with the date changing every year.

In South Asia, on the first day of the celebration, people shop for gold or kitchen utensils to help bring good fortune. The second day is designated for decorating your home and creating design patterns called Rangoli on the floor.

On the third day — the main day of the festival and the darkest day of the month, coinciding with the Hindu lunisolar calendar — families gather for a prayer called Lakshmi Puja, to Goddess Lakshmi.

The fourth day of the festival is the first day of the new year. Friends and relatives visit each other with gifts and best wishes for the season.

On the last day of the festival, brothers visit their married sisters and celebrate the last day of the celebration with a meal.

During the celebration at the college, Vanga Akshith Reddy, a first-year student in the international business management program, expressed his excitement.

“We missed Diwali this year because it was two days ago back in India,” said Reddy. “The event is fun. It’s great that the college took the initiative to celebrate with us.”

Arts & Entertainment | Featured Story

2023 | Diwali | Student commons

Sahlym Florestal

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Musical ‘wonderland’ comes to Algonquin Commons Theatre ahead of holidays

Cirque Musica performed their Holiday Wonderland Musical at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Nov. 12. Despite being marketed as a “holiday event,“ the two-hour performance exclusively featured Christmas music, decor and costumes. It opened with a blistering electric guitar rendition of We Three Kings, Joy to the World and Mary’s Boy. “Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland […]

Thomas Gordon

Photos: Thomas Gordon

November 24, 2023
Revised: November 24, 2023 2:06pm

Photo: Thomas Gordon

Cirque Musica performs at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Nov. 12.

Cirque Musica performed their Holiday Wonderland Musical at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Nov. 12.

Despite being marketed as a “holiday event,“ the two-hour performance exclusively featured Christmas music, decor and costumes. It opened with a blistering electric guitar rendition of We Three Kings, Joy to the World and Mary’s Boy.

“Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a must-see holiday event to usher in the magic of the season. Igniting joy and wonder to your theatre like never before,” says Cirque Musica’s official website.

TCG Entertainment, the producers of Cirque Musica, have worked with DreamWorks and Warner Brothers among other notable film studios during their 20 years in the industry, according to TCG’s official website.

The performance featured a message from Canadian director Adam Anders promoting his 2023 film, Journey to Bethlehem, a feature-length musical depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.

The show concluded with the flat, hollow boom of an overhead confetti launcher, ringing out like a shotgun and silencing the audience.

Future showtimes and locations and listed on Cirque Musica’s website.

Arts & Entertainment

Algonquin commons theatre | Christmas | Holidays

Thomas Gordon

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Climate Zone: Big – green – changes to campus snow removal this winter

With winter weather just around the corner, the college is changing the way they handle ice and snow around campus by changing the salt they use. James Hopkins, the associate director of facilities operations at Algonquin College, says the new type of salt is both better for the environment and for snow removal. How is […]

Rebekah Houter

Photos: Rebekah Houter

November 24, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Rebekah Houter

With winter weather just around the corner, Algonquin College is changing the way ice and snow are being handled around campus by changing the salt it uses.

With winter weather just around the corner, the college is changing the way they handle ice and snow around campus by changing the salt they use.

James Hopkins, the associate director of facilities operations at Algonquin College, says the new type of salt is both better for the environment and for snow removal.

How is the college changing the way they use salt?

Roughly five million tons of road salt is used every year in Canada, according to Stats Canada, in order to help dissipate the ice on roadways, driveways, and sidewalks. However, the chemicals in the salt are hard on both the ground and the environment.

With the old contract with the previous snow removal company coming to an end last year, the college went with a different company that uses a saltwater brine. It doesn’t have the harsh corroding factor of regularly used road salt with sodium chloride.

“The idea with the brine is that you try to spread that out before the snow, so the stuff doesn’t stick and so it’s easier to actually remove,” said Hopkins.

For those who use road salt, the Ottawa Riverkeepers have recommendations.

The charitable organization’s work involves protecting and educating about the Ottawa River’s watershed. Matthew Brocklehurst, its communications manager, says the Riverkeepers’ recommendation is to use about one coffee cup of salt to cover a space the size of an average driveway.

“This is one of our main messages at Ottawa Riverkeeper,” said Brocklehurst, “which is just to use less salt.”

Since the salt’s chemical reaction only works up to -7 C, other ways to get a better grip on slippery ice include sand, gravel or even coffee grounds.

What are the environmental impacts of road salt?

“Road salt is sodium chloride and the kind that gets spread on roads is usually rock salt,” said Brocklehurst.

“Although there are a few variations and when that enters streams, creeks, and other waterways it dissolves and the part that we’re most concerned about is the chloride. So, the chloride ion that’s part of the rock salt can have a lot of detrimental effects on freshwater ecosystems.”

Brocklehurst added while the Ottawa River is considered too large for long-term effects, small streams see the most damage.

“So, for example, it can interfere with the reproduction and respiration of many aquatic animals, especially amphibians and insects, and it has a disproportionate effect on smaller streams,” said Brocklehurst.

What is the most important thing to know about ice and snow?

Algonquin’s facilities website give tips and trick on what to do when walking on ice and snow, like taking tiny steps, wearing the right footwear, or ‘penguin walking’ by pointing your toes inwards and shuffling.

Most importantly, the best packing snow for snowballs happens when the temperature is hovering around the freezing mark and becomes a more wet snow. So pull on those mittens and get ready for a long snowy season in Ottawa.

Featured Story | News

Climate zone | Salt | Snow

Rebekah Houter

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Climate Zone: Thrift shopping is kind to the planet and your wallet

Thrift stores have seen a recent rise in popularity throughout Canada. According to a survey by the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada, 42 per cent of Gen Z Canadians reported that they visit thrift stores frequently and 85 per cent of all Canadians participate in the second-hand economy. The appeal of buying items second-hand for many […]

Roxanne Lamarche

Photos: Roxanne Lamarche-Silmser

November 24, 2023
Revised: May 15, 2024 2:42pm

Photo: Roxanne Lamarche-Silmser

Daniel Lopez, an architectural technician student, sports a vest and button-up shirt he got at thrift stores.

Thrift stores have seen a recent rise in popularity throughout Canada.

According to a survey by the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada, 42 per cent of Gen Z Canadians reported that they visit thrift stores frequently and 85 per cent of all Canadians participate in the second-hand economy.

The appeal of buying items second-hand for many comes from the discounted prices on items that are typically so expensive.

“Outerwear sweaters and heavy wool are expensive new, but thrifted and decent condition, you get a pretty good price,” said Daniel Lopez, an architectural technician student. “I have a nice, heavy-knitted Roots sweater that would’ve costed up to $120 new. At a thrift store, I got it for $13.”

There are green benefits too. When items find new homes it’s kinder to the environment. If you’re not already part of the thrifting community, here’s why you should consider joining in.

Thrift stores encourage sustainability

As the concept would suggest, thrift stores help save so many pieces of clothing, furniture, electronics and other items from being discarded into landfills.

Value Village, one of the bigger thrift store chains in Canada, sells 700 million pounds of clothing and textiles on average each year.

The effort is also shared by smaller stores too. At Plato’s Closet on Merivale Road, they take in hundreds of articles of clothing that eventually get sold.

“Some people think thrift stores have dirty, ripped clothes and there’s no point in wearing it out,” said Jaxson Kemp, a manager at the store. “I don’t think that’s fair. I think there’s a lot of good options out there.”

Inside Plato's Closet Merivale, the store is filled to the brim with old clothes looking for a new life. — Inside Plato’s Closet on Merivale Road, the store is filled to the brim with old clothes looking for a new life. Photo credit: Roxanne Lamarche-Silmser

Thrift stores also donate clothes

Whenever thrift stores can’t sell certain items, it’s common for them to donate the clothes to other sources.

For example, Plato’s Closet Merivale donates clothes that they struggle to sell to women’s shelters.

“Even if we don’t get rid of it, we make sure that they go to someone that can use it instead of throwing it out,” said Kemp.

Older clothes shed less microplastics

The average six kilogram load of laundry sheds over 700,000 microscopic plastic fibers into wastewater.

Some ways to reduce the amount of microplastics dispensed in laundry loads include getting clothes made of natural fibers like cotton, wool and linen, washing clothes at colder temperatures and always running full loads.

It’s also worth noting that new clothes shed more than older ones, so turning to thrift stores to buy your clothes can help keep your dispensary of microplastics down.

There’s a price difference between new clothes versus thrifted

Outside of sustainability, customers can see massive price differences between new clothes versus thrifted ones.

For example, Plato’s Closet price their clothes between 50 and 70 per cent of their retail market value. The prices can get even lower when clothes find themselves in the clearance section.

You might find hidden collectibles

Many thrift stores also offer other items outside of clothing like books, electronics and furniture.

Of the other items, some can be rare collectibles unknown to a buyer until after their purchase.

“There’s a lot of collectibles you can find while thrifting that do have a pretty good resale value,” said Lopez. “I picked up this random colorful pot at a thrift store that was worth a couple hundred dollars new. I still use it.”

Featured Story | Life

Climate zone

Roxanne Lamarche

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Climate Zone: Living wall comes with environmental benefits

The Ottawa campus of Algonquin College is filled with interesting art and architecture but one of its most fascinating attractions is its vibrant bio wall. Filled with a variety of different plant species, the wall is a beautiful attraction as well as an energy-efficient resource for the school. Located in the Algonquin Centre for Construction […]

Annika Schlarb

Photos: Annika Schlarb

November 24, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Annika Schlarb

Amanda Barr, co-ordinator of the grounds team, does maintenance on the green wall on the afternoon of Thursday, Nov. 23.

The Ottawa campus of Algonquin College is filled with interesting art and architecture but one of its most fascinating attractions is its vibrant bio wall.

Filled with a variety of different plant species, the wall is a beautiful attraction as well as an energy-efficient resource for the school.

Located in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence, the green wall has been through many health challenges and repairs in its 12 years of life. The story of how the plants grow and survive along the living wall and what it really takes to care for it will give you a new perspective the next time you see it on campus.

What is the bio wall and what does it do?

Ascending 22 meters, all floors of the ACCE building get a view of the lush greenery. Beyond its aesthetic appeal and relaxing ambiance, the plant-filled wall has numerous benefits for the school environment.

“It cleans the air, removing volatile organic compounds as well as exchanging CO2 for O2,” said Amanda Barr, the coordinator of grounds maintenance and operations. “It also humidifies the air. Both of these lead to better air quality and the well-being of people who regularly use this space.”

How is it planted?

“Planting is a longer process than simply putting plants that we purchase on the wall,” said Barr. “All the plants on the wall must be bare-rooted and then acclimatized to a hydroponic system in order to be planted in the living wall.”

Bare rooting is a long and meticulous process taken on by the Algonquin grounds team who remove all the soil from the plant’s roots and then wash them to keep the plants’ roots from rotting.

Being a hydroponic system means the plants grow without soil. The team makes the hydroponic units that help plants develop stronger roots aiding their survival of the hydroponic system.

During this process the team monitors the plants to decipher which plants are capable of surviving and making space for new growth.

After the plants have acclimatized to the hydroponic units, the team plants them on the wall. “There are existing ‘pockets’ all over the material in the wall,” Barr explained. “We test each one before placing a plant inside to ensure that there is ample water available and then simply stick the plant inside and make sure it is able to stand upright and support itself.”

Overcoming Struggles

A living feature brings many hardships when it comes to maintenance. When the wall was first installed in 2011 many of the plants died because of the cold air coming in from the nearby exit.

After tackling that issue there were still more challenges to be faced. “We have since also dealt with excessive salt build up in the water, which was killing some plants and discolouring others,” said Barr. “Though we were able to solve each of these issues and come out on the other side with more information to ensure our wall can remain healthy for the long run.”

Another issue was during the pandemic when the aerial lift used for maintenance was inaccessible because it was sent away to be serviced. During this time many plants died and once the lift was returned to campus, they were able to fix it up.

“They removed all the dead material and replanted with new and then we had a great base to keep building from,” she said.

Maintenance

Since being back in full bloom since the pandemic, the wall has been in great condition featuring a variety of luscious green plants. Thanks to the grounds team the wall is cared for and maintained to keep thriving.

The long maintenance checklist includes water changes every three weeks, fertilization, cleaning leaves and removing the dead ones.

Not only does the team care for the plants but also the wall and its surroundings, ensuring the plants get the resources they need. Driplines, wall material and plant pocket inspections happen twice a month. The team also releases insects that are safe for the benefit of plant health and environment.

Current Condition

Living in a city environment doesn’t regularly showcase a clean and green environment. Seeing healthy greenery on campus can be refreshing, and many people aren’t aware of the benefits it brings to the environment.

“Plants are amazing at adapting to new environments, and people have been manipulating plants to grow in unique and interesting ways for a long time,” said Barr. “It just seems like a natural step for us to have taken to find technologies that allow us to effectively grow plants in a vertical wall for all the benefits they bring.”

Featured Story | Life

Climate zone | Living Wall

Annika Schlarb

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The Wolves marketing team wants you to join the pack

Whether you’ve spotted the Algonquin Wolves logo on TVs across campus, on banners hanging bridge between the Commons and the ARC or on their new merchandise at Connections, the campus store, the Wolves are getting their marketing out to the students and staff. After the Wolves changed their name from the Thunder in 2021, the […]

Andrew Sorokan

Photos: Andrew Sorokan

November 24, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Andrew Sorokan

You've likely spotted the Wolves advertising their new gear on TVs around campus.

After the Wolves changed their name from the Thunder in 2021, the Students’ Association wanted to make sure their message got across to students.

The Wolves name change happened when the college was bouncing back from COVID-19 and opening a brand new facility, the ARC.

“When we first started as the Wolves our first season we were in the middle of a pandemic,” said Ryan Bradley, the athletic promotions and events coordinator for the Wolves sports teams. “So our first four home games we weren’t even allowed to have any fans out.”

The new facility brought with it a new name and a new chapter for the college.

Here are five things you need to know about how the Wolves marketing team is supporting the brand:

1. There’s the same amount of Wolves – but in brighter colours

It may seem as if you are seeing Wolves advertising all over the place, but the fact is the Wolves are doing a lot of the same things as previous years just with little tweaks.

“All the stuff we are doing this year we did last year but I think you are seeing more of it because the graphics are a little bit brighter this year,” said Bradley.

2. The brand has a more eye popping-look

The main difference between this year and previous years is the colours used. This year the Wolves used more flashy colours that catch the eye easier.

“We are using different colours, the bright green, the bright white and the darks. So I think that’s why it pops out a little bit more,” Bradley said.

3. The SA does the Wolves’ marketing from top to bottom

The SA marketing team are the ones responsible for getting the Wolves brand out to the students. They are in charge of everything to do with the appearance of the marketing.

“The SA has a marketing department that does all departments, athletics included,” said Bradley. “So all the graphics that you see they are the ones that produced that.”

4. Name recognition around campus is key

As the Wolves become more ingrained into the minds of students since the change in 2021, that comes with the integration of the campus. You can see that in a place like the Wolves Den and the varsity games where many students go every week.

“I don’t look at the stands too much during games. but I do know the support is always there,” said Carter Normand, a guard on the men’s basketball team.

5. The brand is about sports – but more too

The Wolves and their marketing don’t just symbolize sports. Sports is just one aspect of the Wolves brand. The Wolves represent the college as a whole. Even their varsity athletes have noticed.

“I think it’s been really solid,” Normand. “They definitely stepped up their game this year.”

Featured Story | Life

Marketing | Sports | Wolves

Andrew Sorokan

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AC Hub’s green event plants positivity on campus

The AC Hub hosted another successful Adopt a Plant event on Nov. 8, drawing a multitude of students eager to embrace their future plant besties. Samantha Therrien, the events officer at the AC Hub, emphasized the positive impact of nurturing a plant as a form of self-care and how the event resonates perfectly with the […]

Naomie Twagirumukiza

Photos: Zaynab Safa

November 24, 2023
Revised: November 24, 2023 9:50am

Photo: Zaynab Safa

Alex Breech and Brooke Nelson, drawing foundation students, are creating a more serene and vibrant living environment for themselves.

The AC Hub hosted another successful Adopt a Plant event on Nov. 8, drawing a multitude of students eager to embrace their future plant besties.

Samantha Therrien, the events officer at the AC Hub, emphasized the positive impact of nurturing a plant as a form of self-care and how the event resonates perfectly with the essence of the AC Hub’s brand, which is committed to incorporating greenery and natural elements into student life.

“Adopt a Plant fits perfectly and is one of our most iconic events. It is kind of like having a pet. It takes you out of your mind and taking care of it,” Therrien said with a smile. “It gets bigger every time.”

Among the students was Alex Beech, a drawing foundation student, who eagerly planned to take her newly adopted plant home.

“I have a large shelf and that’s where I’m going to put my plant,” Beech said. “They produce oxygen, which is good, and they are also fun to look at.”

“It brings people together and helps students make friends in an informal way,” she noted. “It helps bring different types of groups together.”

Brooke Nelson, another drawing foundation student, expressed her excitement about embracing a succulent plant for her room. “I just find plants really cute, and they make me happy,” Nelson said.

As the event concluded, students left with their selected plants, eager to nurture them and create a more serene and vibrant living environment for themselves.

The AC Hub continues to promote a green and sustainable campus culture, promising more initiatives that emphasize the importance of nature in fostering a healthy and thriving student community.

For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, students can visit the AC Hub’s website.

News

AC Hub | Campus life | Plants

Naomie Twagirumukiza

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Wolves bounce back with a win, ending a 2-game losing streak

After losing two games in a row to La-Cité and George Brown, the men’s basketball Wolves bounced back with a convincing 96-67 win against the Fleming Phoenix on Nov. 17. The Wolves dominated Fleming throughout the game. The Phoenix scored first at 8:44, but the Wolves took a 7-5 lead early in the first quarter […]

Andrew Sorokan

Photos: Justin Hancock-Lefebour

November 23, 2023
Revised: November 23, 2023 7:54pm

Photo: Justin Hancock-Lefebour

Wolves second-leading scorer Devonte Brooks shoots a free-throw. Brooks went three for five from the line.

After losing two games in a row to La-Cité and George Brown, the men’s basketball Wolves bounced back with a convincing 96-67 win against the Fleming Phoenix on Nov. 17.

The Wolves dominated Fleming throughout the game. The Phoenix scored first at 8:44, but the Wolves took a 7-5 lead early in the first quarter after a turnover and never looked back until the final buzzer.

Algonquin got out to a 20-7 lead with 3:08 left in the first, and after a Fleming timeout, the Wolves ended the first quarter with a 23-14 lead.

The game got closer around halftime. With the score 43-38, the Wolves needed to come out strong if they wanted to end their losing streak.

And they did it.

Team stats from Wolves vs Phoenix game on Nov.17 Photo credit: Andrew Sorokan

The third quarter was by far the Wolves’ best. They outscored the Phoenix 26-12, extending their lead to 69-50 going into the final frame. They finished strong, outscoring Fleming 27-17 in the fourth and taking the victory.

The Wolves were led by guard Simon Desta, who put up 16 points, and forward Devonte Brooks, who scored 15.

The win was a team effort — all 14 Wolves players recorded a point. The team made great shot selections, shooting an impressive 56.1 per cent from the field and 52.6 per cent from the three-point line.

The shooting percentage was the big difference between the two teams, with the Wolves shooting 15.3 points higher from the field and 2.6 points higher from three.

There was one concerning thing for the Wolves: they only made 12 out of the 22 free-throw attempts. However, Fleming hit 24 of 31 free throws.

The win marked a season-high in points for the Wolves. They surpassed their previous high score of 92 points, which they put up in their 92-90 win over Loyalist on Nov. 4.

Sports & Recreation

2023 | Men's basketball | Wolves

Andrew Sorokan

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Shooting kills 1, critically injures another in Centrepointe neighbourhood

Story updated at 7:30 p.m. One man was killed and another was critically injured in a Thursday morning shooting just west of Algonquin College, Ottawa police said. The shooting took place near Centrepointe Drive and Baseline Road on Draffin Court. The police arrived at the scene at approximately 6 a.m. The victim has been identified […]

Arty Sarkisian

Photos: Alex Lambert

November 23, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Alex Lambert

"Investigators are working diligently on it, trying to get an update,” Const. Mike Cudrasov said.

Story updated at 7:30 p.m.

One man was killed and another was critically injured in a Thursday morning shooting just west of Algonquin College, Ottawa police said.

The shooting took place near Centrepointe Drive and Baseline Road on Draffin Court. The police arrived at the scene at approximately 6 a.m.

The victim has been identified as 28-year-old VanDame Munga. The person who was in critical condition at the hospital is also a 28-year-old man. His name has not been released.

“Investigators believe that this incident was targeted,” police said.

No arrests had been made.

This is Ottawa’s 14th homicide of the year.

Ottawa police spokesperson Const. Mike Cudrasov said the injured man remained in critical condition at a local hospital.

“Officers are on the scene. The investigators as well. The homicide unit is taking the lead on this investigation,” Cudrasov said at the scene.

The Centrepointe Childcare Services daycare next to the homicide scene was not affected.

The Algonquin Times talked to some neighbours walking down the street with their kids next to the scene.

While some parents said they don’t let their children walk down the street for safety reasons, a long-time resident said it’s unusual to have police activity in the community.

Shawn Martin, who has lived in the neighbourhood for 23 years, has never witnessed a violent crime in the area.

“This surprises me,” he said. “People say things, but everybody does. This is not a violent place.”

Anyone with information can contact the Ottawa police homicide unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493.

Featured Story | News

Centrepointe | Crime

Arty Sarkisian

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First Person: Some English words and accents can be difficult for immigrants

Recently, my mother and I spent some time recounting all of the unfortunate English disasters I had experienced in our five years in Canada since immigrating from Nigeria. “I remember at school asking for a ‘biro,’ and my friends and teachers were confused,” I said to my mom. “Well, yes, did they end up giving […]

Itunu Olayiwola

Photos:

November 23, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Until the author immigrated to Canada she'd never realized how accents play a role in the English language.

Recently, my mother and I spent some time recounting all of the unfortunate English disasters I had experienced in our five years in Canada since immigrating from Nigeria.

“I remember at school asking for a ‘biro,’ and my friends and teachers were confused,” I said to my mom.

“Well, yes, did they end up giving you the ‘biro’?” my mom jokingly asked, knowing fully well how the story ended.

I had been in grade 9. I stood in front of my teacher for a few seconds explaining what a biro was, and thinking to myself “this is just so stupid.” I learned that day that it was not called a ‘“biro” but a “pen.”

I had never felt so dumb and embarrassed. How could the same language be so entirely different? I was clearly educated and had attended a private English-speaking high school, so what was the issue?

Back home in Nigeria, all high schools were required to teach English, diction and phonetics. Especially if you were in the senior level of the arts departments, which I was at the time, you were required to learn literature.

In total, students were learning in four different types of English courses, and for whatever reason, many of the words used commonly in Nigeria did not seem to be in common use here In Canada.

It has definitely been difficult trying to adapt to the Canadian vocabulary as an immigrant from another country. However, I have learned that I am not alone and many other immigrants had experienced the same situation.

Until we immigrated here I’d never realized how accents played a role in the English language. There would be moments when I would catch some phrases or words from people around me and wonder why they would pronounce that specific word in the way they did.

It sounded like the letters were intentionally omitted when pronouncing, even though that same letter was used to spell out the word. Specifically, words with the letter “t” like Ottawa, Toronto, and so on were pronounced without the “t.” Ottawa would sound like “Odawa,” and Toronto would sound like “Torono.”

My parents would sometimes tease me because I talked and felt like a completely different version of myself when I spoke with a “Canadian accent.” It did make me wonder if these so-called “accents” affected my identity, English language heritage and if I was becoming “whitewashed.”

Although that thought would be an exaggeration.

Eunji Jo, a second-year student in the illustration and concept art program at Algonquin College says that there are phrases in Korea called “Konglish,” which means a combination of Korean and English language.

“We just combine random English words and use it in our own way,” Jo said. “I’m from South Korea. A ‘rinse’ is basically washing away right? But it is one of the hair care products in Korea.” The words were the same but had a completely different meaning. South Korea identified the word “rinse” as hair products, however that same word held a different meaning when she said it here in Ottawa.

I thought that Jo was similar to me because the word was basically English but it had a completely different meaning to it in South Korea.

John Cloutier, a communications professor at Algonquin College, has worked with many students from different backgrounds. He explained that he had never come across a situation as mine before.

“I haven’t come across a situation where a student has used a word I did not understand, but I do teach students to refrain from using idioms and cliches because international students may not have the cultural context to understand these idioms and cliches,” he said.

Regardless, I had always felt judged and looked at weirdly whenever I said something completely different from the Canadian vocabulary. It almost felt like I was uneducated and did not know what I was talking about.

At one point, I thought of taking some English private lessons to help me improve my vocabulary. It felt bizarre at first, but I could not bear the situation of constantly embarrassing myself when speaking.

It definitely made me feel different, and I was not a fan of that feeling. But I have also been learning and growing too.

For instance, I recently learned that these so-called “pens” are also known as “ballpoint pens.” The “biro” is more under the British vocabulary and the latter is the American vocabulary.

Featured Story | Opinions

First person