Continue reading Prairie Guide to En Frensay.
While studying for a midterm exam at Concordia's Vanier library last December, I could not help overhearing a conversation between a man and his wife. They were discussing issues familiar to me, issues that many newcomers to Montréal face upon arrival.
The man had told his wife about another unsuccessful job interview he had had. "The interviewer asked me the same question," the husband complained to his wife in Hebrew, a language I also speak. I felt comfortable enough to approach the couple and introduce myself. "I know it is a bit rude to listen to other people's conversations," I acknowledged apologetically, "But your story sounds a lot like mine, and I am sure other Montréalers face the same hardships. What do you say we do something about it?"
Ron agreed to share his story with Montréalités. He believes that learning from the experiences of other immigrants is a solution. Predictably, he demanded we meet at Vanier library so he could save precious time.
Continue reading A not so French French.
Continue reading How to improve your French.
By Robert Duthie
Image source: Flickr.
The city of Montreal, in all its grander and splendour opens its arms and extends a welcome to outsiders who have come to take part in the city's atmosphere. Outsiders, visitors and friends who come on pilgrimage, business, or vacation can easily open up to the vastness of indulgence that Montreal offers. However it has become increasingly obvious that Montreal has developed a title as "party city." The city itself has become a pretty nasty place for a bender; leaving your head swelled with thick blood pulsating through the anvil in your temples. But one should ask themselves where the notion of party central comes from? And if it is truly authentic to the city of Montreal.
It is interesting to think of Montreal as a party city when historically Montreal was originally named after the mother of Christ. Ville Marie or City of Mary was settled by a majority of French speaking Catholics, however today the city takes its name from the triple peaked mountain that is situated at the heart of the landscape. Mount Royal holds a defining role in the city's name; however remnants of the French Catholic church are still noticeably seen in the churches and basilicas that reside in the cities concrete and glass foliage like monoliths to the past. Mark Twain once said that "this is the first time I was ever in a city where you couldn't throw a brick without breaking a church window" and he was right. The city was at one time dominated by the ideals of the Catholic Church and Montreal itself directly reflected this notion. The churches, the basilicas, the Grey nuns, St Josephs Oratory, St Mary's hospital, Catholic schools and the Sunday morning service dominated the city's influence with connotations of near puritanical values. However, time corroded the strong presence of the church and the functioning ideals of Catholicism slowly deteriorated in the silence of a quite revolution.
By Ariana Haltner
Image source: Flickr.
The upstanding and proper Canadian people are proud of the many principled characteristics associated with their country. Canadian standards of hospitality are high and unyielding; any visitor to the country is treated well. Not only are visitors treated well but the entire Canadian community lives a fulfilling and loving life. Through honesty and hard work Canadians take care of the rich land around them. Grown from Canadian roots the restaurant franchise Tim Hortons is publicized as a national symbol of Canada. The average Canadian is proud to show support of such an icon. Through its commercials, websites, and foundations Tim Hortons promotes and embodies all of a Canadian's main ideals and beliefs. However, contrary to the propaganda, the Tim Hortons Company perpetrates fake promises that violate every Canadian Value. A wholesome and pure Canadian background, fast and efficient service, an excellent standard of customer service, high quality and "Always Fresh" products, 'ethical and fair' business thinking, are the promises that go unfulfilled at Tim Hortons. The franchise is a sham and a disgrace to all of Canada. Its current state of business annuls its humble Canadian beginnings.
By Mitchell Fridman
Canadians, more than most, love their
money. How could we not, with our wallets constantly full of brightly coloured
notes of brown, red, green, purple and blues and pockets full of jangling
toonies, loonies, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies? The question then
becomes, how do we keep our monetary system working properly while inflation
constantly diminishes the value of the money in our pockets; well coin reform
is the most obvious way. I will discuss the uniqueness of our coinage via the
differences between it and the American monetary system while showing the
advantages of our coins and presenting three changes that are likely to come
about in the next decade.
Anthony Lee
The history teacher dims the lights in the classroom before
turning on the overhead projector. "Great," we think, "another class learning
about the Plains of Abraham and the establishment of Canada... How exciting. Not."
At some point in any high school Canadian history class, I am sure that most of
us have felt bored or at least slightly exasperated with the material that the
teacher was presenting. After all, how many Canadians today can actually trace
their roots back to those French and British soldiers who fought for the
establishment of this country? With the exception of the white population
descended from the French settlers in Québec, these past events seem distant,
non-relatable, and free from any vested emotional currency. So, if we cannot
even emotionally proclaim our country's history, what makes us, us? What makes
us Canadian?
Canadians
are known for many unique characteristics; our polite and friendly nature,
which endures even under the most difficult conditions; our past
association with the British, which is still in existence to this
day; our fierce winters and abundance of snow, which restrict us to our homes
for most of the year; our dependence upon the American entertainment industry;
which occupies most of our television; our love for beer and alcohol, which
often replaces our water; our crazed wildlife, which are dangerous and roam
free; and lastly our mysterious usage of the syllable "Eh". There is only one
Canadian characteristic that beats all others: the syllable "Eh". It is the
most distinct and uniquely Canadian element in existence. "Eh" embodies all
Canadian traits simultaneously and completely. It was passed down to us from
our forefathers and has become apart of the national Canadian identity.
Our sovereigns and forefathers: the British, who often pretend we don't exist, were the originals who gifted us with the expression "Eh". We admired their culture and worshiped their royals. We emulated those proper and respectful Brits and copied their casual usage of "Eh", which they used in their sophisticated discussions. "Eh"has ingrained itself into the Canadian culture, becoming even more famous through Canada than it ever was in Britain. For the British it was just another word, in Canada it is a way of life. We thank them greatly for their precious donation of "Eh". No other country recognizes our ownership of "Eh" more than our fellow New World occupants, the Americans. Who, unlike us, are not buried under snow for the winter and are able to mock us throughout the whole year.
Due to harsh winter storms and layers upon layers of snow, Canadians must remain indoors for most of the year. During these times of hardship, we must look to our continent brothers, the Americans. Throughout the winter, American sitcom serials are what keep us from the deepest of depressions. Occasionally they generously dedicate episodes to documenting the Canadian lifestyle. These episodes generally use "Eh" as a prominent tool for Canadian ridicule. As we are good natured and friendly, we laugh along with our American brothers and share in the joke of the syllable. In honor of America's recognition, we proudly increased our usage of "Eh". However, our American brothers seem confused about the meaning of "Eh", and frequently misuse it. "Eh", in fact, has two main usages.
With all of the beer Canadians drink, we are bound to mishear parts of a conversation. That's where the first usage of "Eh" comes in. We fundamentally need a polite, non-drunken, way to convey our confusion. We need a replacement for the sentence: "What did you just say?" At its very core "Eh" is the sound of a question mark and its simplicity easily covers alcohol induced, sloppy behavior. In comparison to its American counterpart "Huh", "Eh" is proper and respectful. "Huh" needs to be spoken gutturally with a slack jaw. "Eh" does not require such a strenuous effort from our facial muscles, which makes it easier to smile at the same time. The sentence "Huh, What did you just say?" which sounds rude and aggressive, is replaced by a short "Eh?" and a smile. In Canada where the wildlife is free and dangerous it is important to know how to smile, much as it is important to speak quickly and with purpose.
With a wild animal about to attack at any moment, a Canadian must insure that they have a quick way of encouraging a response during a conversation. This is the second usage of "Eh". It is the sound of the desire for feedback. "Eh"is a fast way of alerting someone to his or her turn to speak; basically it replaces the question: "What do you think?" By adding an "Eh", a simple statement such as "The party was really great last night." can be turned into a question. "The party was really great last night, eh?" Now the statement merits a response. With the small addition of a single syllable, a one sided statement has now become a conversation. Canadians value their friends and strangers, who are potential friends. We want to hear their opinions, so we speak with "Eh".
The syllable "Eh" is the only Canadian way to speak. It is a single representation of all that is Canadian. It represents our British past and association. It displays our un-reciprocated trust and respect for our New World brothers, the Americans. It is how we remain polite, even while under other influences. It is our mark of friendliness, even to those we do not know. Every time it slips from our tongues, it is an embrace to our culture and to those around us. So go forth non-Canadians and use our expression, because it will change your lives. For it is good to live the Canadian way, Eh?
Image source: Flickr
By Ryan Hutman
"Canada is but a few acres of snow"-Voltaire.
It seems that even the most notable
philosophers in history did not think that highly of Canadian identity and
culture. As a proud Canadian I would have to rephrase Voltaire's quote into one
saying "Canada is anything but a few acres of snow." Identifying oneself as a
Canadian goes much further than accepting the traditional stereotypes of being
poutine lovers, Molson drinkers, and hockey players. History's events have
shaped Canadian culture into one big melting pot of different values
and traditions. As we continue to marinate in this pot, new liberal movements
are constantly challenging past ideas. The recent Canadian federal election has
provided a great segue into showing the world that Canada is not just about
hockey and maple syrup but is a nation built upon progressive change and
reform.
By Julie Phaneuf
In Canada, the Royal Bank of Canada
(RBC), the Toronto-Dominion Canada Trust (TD), the Scotia bank, the bank of
Montreal (BMO) and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) dominate the
region. The banks compete against each other to obtain the greatest volume of
managed funds in order to gain the first position in the top five banks, using
every marketing strategy available. RBC and TD are two ferocious competitors
currently ranking first (RBC) and second (TD) in the top five. However, because
their focus is on the quality of their products and offers, the Royal bank will
certainly remain in the first position.
In Canada, the Royal Bank of Canada
(RBC), the Toronto-Dominion Canada Trust (TD), the Scotia bank, the bank of
Montreal (BMO) and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) dominate the
region. The banks compete against each other to obtain the greatest volume of
managed funds in order to gain the first position in the top five banks, using
every marketing strategy available. RBC and TD are two ferocious competitors
currently ranking first (RBC) and second (TD) in the top five. However, because
their focus is on the quality of their products and offers, the Royal bank will
certainly remain in the first position.Image source: Flickr
