Talking Canadian (The Canadian Experience)

DIGITAL VERSION download and answer

digitally instead of by paper
BEFORE EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT, TAKE 5 MINUTES TO READ
THROUGH EACH QUESTIONS BEFORE YOUR WATCH THE VIDEO. ONE
OF THE KEY STRATEGIES OF ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM ANY VIDEO
SOURCE IS PRE-SCREENING THE QUESTIONS. THIS CAN ALSO INCLUDE
HIGHLIGHTING KEY TERMS/CONCEPTS TO HELP YOU HEAR THE
ANSWERS ONCE YOU VIEW THE VIDEO.
1.

What specific mannerism do the Montreal teenagers use that

suggest an "American" influence to Canadian English?

2.

Identify 3 specific/distinct dialects found in Canadian English

as you watch the documentary (try using the technical
descriptions from the film).

3.

Vincent Massey, Canada' First Canadian born Governor

General had a unique Canadian Accent. What country does
he sound like he is from? Later in the film, his dialect is
identified. List it here.

4.

Circle the term you'd normally use below:

Tap or faucet
Luggage or baggage
Blinds or shades
Elastic or rubber band

5.

Where did the major Canadian dialect come from, and when
did it begin?

6.

What is the significance of "r" to our/American English when

compared to British English?

7.

What two areas of the British Isles did the descendants of New
Foundland come from, contributing to their unique English
Accent?

8.

Bonus: what historic event has contributed to New

Foundland's dialect becoming more "Mainland?"

9.

What was "Bungee?"

10.

Why doesn't media play a greater role in changing our

language? What does?

11.

What is the secret of sounding Canadian vs American (or Vice

Versa)?

12.

How many words are unique to Canadian English? List at

least 5 from the video.

13.

What is unique about English Spoken in parts of Quebec?

14.

Although not unique to Canadian, a growing trend in English is

the concept of "up talk." Describe what it is and whether you
use it.

15.

Why does other dialects of English outside of Canada actually

contribute to our unique style (hint: in relates to identity)?

Once you finish the video, you can discuss with you English/Welsh
guest teacher, Mr. Roberts about his views of the documentary,
especially considering he is foreign born (ask him how his parents
dressed him up on his first day of school maybe that helped
establish why his English sounds as it does?!)