Language lessons in Vancouver

Did you know that Vancouver is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada? In fact, according to the 2016 census, 52% of local residents speak non-official languages as their native language. This comes as no surprise, as many global surveys list this city as one of the most livable cities in the world, making it extremely popular among immigrants. The most commonly used languages you can hear around the city include Chinese dialects like Cantonese and Mandarin, with nearly 200,000 speakers each, closely followed by Punjabi, with 163,400, Tagalog with 78,830, and Korean with 47,915. 

Whether you’re interested in learning these or any of the more than 200 reported languages, becoming multilingual will improve your experience in the city. In addition to helping you expand your social circle and build closer relationships with members of the local foreign-born community, it will allow you to get to know the many cultures that have influenced the city more in-depth. What’s more, speaking languages other than English or French will increase your employability in the city and open up many great opportunities in the local job market. 

Where to study foreign languages in Vancouver

At Vancouver Public Library, located at 350 W Georgia Street, you’ll find many resources you can use to develop your language skills, like grammar books, audiobooks, course books, and even apps. Additionally, it has great programs to get you closer to other cultures like Uplift Asian, that celebrate Asian cultures and perspectives that will allow you to discover Asian authors and artists, as well as attend local discussions where you can hear many different thinkers. On the other hand, if you prefer to learn languages by watching films, the library has a great collection of classic and contemporary films from all over the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North America, as well as a unique collection focused on Indigenous voices, culture, and history that you simply can’t miss.

Language exchange groups in Vancouver

Fortunately, if you’re trying to meet friends that love languages as much as you do and practice your skills with native and advanced speakers, there are many events in the city you can check out. One of them is Language Mix Vancouver, which takes place once a week at Yagger’s Downtown Restaurant and Sports Bar, located at 433 W Pender Street. Here, you can boost your skills and find language partners that speak Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Farsi, Arabic and many more. Upon arrival, one of the organizers will give you flag stickers that indicate the languages you speak and those you want to learn, and after that, all you have to do is move around and find somebody to talk to. These events are completely free and welcome speakers of all levels, so don’t be shy and take advantage of this lovely weekly event to work on whatever language you want to master.

Another great option is the Vancouver Language Club, which holds meetings once a month at Copper Branch Cafe, located at 280 Nelson Street, where people from all around the globe gather to socialize and practice many different languages. This event is also free but if you want to attend you do need to register, as it’s one of the most popular language exchange events in the city. 

Cultural institutions and events in Vancouver

One of the best ways to get to know different immigrant communities in Vancouver is to attend the Richmond Night Market, located at Bridgeport Station next to River Rock Casino Resort, on weekends from May to October. Here, you’ll find an impressive cross-section of cultures and cuisines from all over the world, as well as fun games and performances that include beautiful dances, live music and other kinds of entertainment that you can enjoy with the whole family!

If you like Jazz and want to listen to more than 1800 musicians from all around the globe, you can’t miss the annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival in June. It takes place in more than 40 venues across the city and it’s one of the biggest music festivals in the city where you can enjoy a rich tapestry of jazz that includes blues, funk, Latin, fusion and electronica.  

Language jobs in Vancouver

Non-official languages are used in 14% of local jobs, so if you decide to study any language other than English or French, you will get access to unique positions in the city such as bilingual Chinese-English Software Support Analyst, Bilingual Spanish-English Concierge Advisor and Bilingual Punjabi-English Associate Producer. What’s more, because there’s such a high percentage of residents that come from other countries, becoming multilingual will allow you to build useful business relationships in the city and find employees, employers or business partners in the local foreign-born community that help you expand your career. On top of that, because Vancouver has one of the most powerful economies in Canada, there are many multinationals in the major sectors like film and TV, tech, tourism and trade that are constantly looking for multilingual applicants that help them attract more international clients, so no matter what you do, start a language course today and enjoy the many offers that will open up for you. 

Get started now!!!

Now that you know all the advantages of being multilingual in Vancouver, it makes no sense to keep postponing that language course you’ve been meaning to start for years! Instead, start learning a language at Listen & Learn, and enjoy flexible, personalized lessons taught by native teachers. To start, simply send us a quick inquiry today, and one of our team members will contact you to find out exactly what kind of language course you’re looking for and answer any questions you might have!