Canadian English

Canadian English (CanE, CE, en-CA) is the set of varieties of the English language native to Canada. According to the 2016 census, English is the first language of approximately 58% of Canadians. Canadian English contains elements of British English and American English in its vocabulary, as well as many distinctive Canadianisms. In terms of phonology, Canadian English is classified within the North American English dialect continuum and is believed to be a unique blend that reflects the historical, social, and cultural influences specific to Canada.

History

The history of Canadian English is closely tied to the history of Canada itself. The English language was first introduced to Canada in the 17th century by British and Irish settlers and soldiers. The Conquest of New France by the British in 1760 brought a significant number of English speakers to Canada. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, waves of immigration from the British Isles, and later from the United States, influenced the development of Canadian English. The Canadian Pacific Railway, completed in 1885, also played a crucial role in the linguistic development of the country by facilitating the movement of people and ideas across vast distances.

Characteristics

Canadian English is characterized by its unique vocabulary, which includes words and phrases not found in other forms of English. These Canadianisms reflect Canada's history, culture, and the natural environment. For example, terms like "loonie" (one-dollar coin), "toque" (knit cap), and "double-double" (coffee with two creams and two sugars) are widely recognized across the country.

In terms of pronunciation, Canadian English is known for the Canadian Raising phenomenon, where the diphthongs in words like "about" and "house" are raised before voiceless consonants. This feature is often humorously exaggerated as "aboot" by those unfamiliar with the actual pronunciation.

Canadian English also exhibits the cot-caught merger, where the vowel sounds in "cot" and "caught" are pronounced the same, a feature it shares with western American English.

Spelling

Canadian English spelling combines elements of British and American spelling. Canadians use British spellings for certain words like "colour" and "favour", but American spellings for words like "organize" and "realize". This hybrid approach reflects Canada's historical and cultural ties to both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Regional Variations

There are notable regional variations in Canadian English, influenced by factors such as immigration patterns, indigenous languages, and contact with French. For example, the English spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador is distinct, reflecting the province's unique history and the influence of Irish English. Similarly, in parts of the Prairies, one can detect a slight influence of Scandinavian languages due to historical immigration.

Status

Canadian English is the dominant language of instruction and business in Canada, though the country is officially bilingual, with French being the other official language. The Canadian government promotes bilingualism and aims to protect and promote the use of both English and French.

Research and Documentation

The study of Canadian English is an active field of research. The Dictionary of Canadianisms on Historical Principles, first published in 1967 and updated in 2017, is a comprehensive resource documenting the vocabulary unique to Canadian English. Additionally, the Strathy Language Unit at Queen's University focuses on the study of Canadian English and provides resources for understanding its characteristics and variations.

Conclusion

Canadian English is a vibrant and dynamic form of English that reflects the diverse history and culture of Canada. It is a testament to the country's unique position between British and American influences and its multicultural heritage.