FAQs
Check out the Language Portal of Canada!
Find a wealth of resources to help you write more effectively in English and French on the Language Portal of Canada, an initiative of the Translation Bureau at Public Services and Procurement Canada.
What type of writing does Canada use? ›
Canadian spelling of the English language combines British and American conventions, the two dominant varieties, and adds some domestic idiosyncrasies. For many words, American and British spelling are both acceptable.
Do Canadians use ampersand? ›
The ampersand (&) is properly used only when it forms part of a corporate name: The publisher was Ginn & Co.
What is the language of Canada government? ›
Read policies and resources on the Official Languages Act that foster the use of both English and French in the public service and in Canadian society.
What is Canadian portal? ›
Canadian Portal Immigration is a one-stop shop for all of your Canadian Immigration needs incl. Canadian Portal Immigration Express Entry. Website http://canadianportalimmigration.ca. External link for Canadian Portal Immigration.
Is there a written language in Canada? ›
The Syllabics—sometimes referred to as the Canadian Aboriginal Syllabics—is a writing system used by several Indigenous language communities in Canada and the United States, including nêhiyawêwin (Cree), Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), Inuktut (Inuktitut), Dakelh (Carrier), iyuw iyimuun (Naskapi), and Saı́yısı́ dëne (Sayisi ...
How do Canadians say "sorry"? ›
In other words, where many US speakers will pronounce "sorry" like "sari", (i.e. in the lot Lexical Set), Canadians make the first syllable like "sore." In fact, when Canadian actors learn that US speakers say "sorry/sari" in the same manner, they often remark "where's the pain in that?" For us, "sorry," the word many ...
How to write like a Canadian? ›
Spelling
- Use “favourite,” “colour,” “honour,” and “labour” (the –our suffix opposed to the American –or).
- When adding suffixes to –our words, it is customary to drop the first “u” (“humorous” not “humourous” and “honorary” not “honourary”).
- Use “centre” and “theatre” (the –re suffix opposed to the American –er).
What type of language is used in Canada? ›
French and English are the languages of inclusion
French and/or English are spoken by 98.1% of Canadians.
Do Canadians use S or Z in English? ›
Canadian spellings mirror British spellings when it comes to words such as realize and organization. The American version swaps the 'z' for an 's'. When it comes to honour and colour, Canadians again follow suit with their British counterparts, whereas Americans shorten these French-derived words as honor and color.
Official and de facto symbols
Symbol | Image | Notes |
---|
National tree | Sugar maple | Official symbol since 1996 |
Additional national symbol | Maple leaf | De facto symbol since the 1700s |
National animals | North American beaver | Official symbol since 1975 |
Canadian horse | Official symbol since 2002 |
18 more rows
Does Canada use the letter Z? ›
The Student's Oxford Canadian Dictionary (2nd edition) includes entries for both zed and zee but says: Both “zed” and “zee” are acceptable pronunciations for the letter Z in Canada, though “zed” is much more common.
What's special in Canada? ›
What is Canada famous For?
- Jasper National Park. Jasper National Park in Alberta is known for its snowy mountains and beautiful scenery. ...
- Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is a must-visit spot in Canada. ...
- Poutine. ...
- Vancouver. ...
- World's largest coastline. ...
- Maple syrup. ...
- Ice hockey. ...
- Northern lights.
What is Canada's first language? ›
In 2022, 87.1 percent of the total population in Canada spoke English as their native tongue.
What is Canada's currency? ›
Canada's currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). It's available in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar paper notes. Canadian coins circulate as: 5 cents (nickel)
What is the language branch of Canada? ›
Canada, which has a great many languages as a result of its indigenous and immigrant populations, has adopted two, English and French (see Official Languages Act (1969); Official Languages Act (1988) ).
What is the universal language of Canada? ›
1967: The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism recommends to the Government of Canada that English and French be declared the official languages of Canada. 1969: The first federal Official Languages Act is adopted, and it declares English and French to be the two official languages of Canada.
What is Canada prime language? ›
English is the major language everywhere in Canada except Quebec and Nunavut, and most Canadians (85%) can speak English.
What is the language test to get into Canada? ›
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program.
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System.
- PTE Core: Pearson Test of English.
- TEF Canada: Test d'évaluation de français.
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français.