English For Work
English Classes
Eastman Immigrant Services is proud to offer English classes to newcomers in the area who want to learn or improve their English skills. We typically offer each of the following courses a few times each year:
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 5,6,7+
English for Work CLB classes are an introduction to Canadian culture and language/communication skills. They are designed for individuals with a CLB 5+ in listening, speaking, reading, and writing who need to improve their English language skills before taking a certification course for furthering employment opportunities.
Pronunciation
Students will learn the facts about pronunciation: How speakers’ mouths move when they produce the sounds of English words, and how word stress, rhythm, connected speech, and intonation work. They will also learn about the problems that new English speakers might have with pronunciation. This class includes communicative oral practice whenever possible. Students will work toward using their new pronunciation in real speech.
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 5,6,7+
English for Work CLB classes are an introduction to Canadian culture and language/communication skills. They are designed for individuals with a CLB 5+ in listening, speaking, reading, and writing who need to improve their English language skills before taking a certification course for furthering employment opportunities.
Pronunciation
Students will learn the facts about pronunciation: How speakers’ mouths move when they produce the sounds of English words, and how word stress, rhythm, connected speech, and intonation work. They will also learn about the problems that new English speakers might have with pronunciation. This class includes communicative oral practice whenever possible. Students will work toward using their new pronunciation in real speech.
Reasons to Learn English
We all know there are social advantages to bilingualism or multilingualism, but did you know there are also health benefits to being able to speak more than one language? Researchers have found that people who speak more than one language are more likely to have faster stroke recoveries and delayed onset of dementia among other benefits (BBC.com).
1. You will discover that English is easy to learn.
Most people think that learning a language is very difficult. However, it is easier for certain people to learn English because English is related to their native language. For example, for people from Europe who are learning English, they find that English is closely related to their languages. German is very close to English. French has influenced English a lot.
2. You can find more job opportunities.
Many companies around the world require their employees to speak English. In some cases, companies require their workers to only use English. By learning English, you can be well-prepared for resume writing, interviews and communicating with the supervisor and your fellow employees.
3. You can become better educated.
Improving your English language skills can help you further your education. Many colleges and universities require a CLB 6+ for enrollment into their classes. English classes can help you improve your English writing, reading, speaking and listening skills. If you are looking at furthering your education for a certain technical skill, classes are available for this as well. For example, if you want to advance from a Health Care Worker to a Nurse, our Communication for Health Care Aides focuses on learning skills for nursing.
4. You can easily travel anywhere in the world.
I travelled to Germany and found that I could easily communicate my needs and preferences with the little bit of High German I had learned. English is no different. In fact, English is the global language.
5. You will learn about culture.
Language and culture cannot be separated. Language is a part of culture, and culture involves language. Simply said, knowing English will give you a better understanding of people who live in English-speaking countries. Knowing the English language gives you more insight into how people think, live and work. If you do not know about the culture of English-speaking countries, this might lead to misunderstanding what people are saying in English.
It is not enough to just know basic words and phrases. To communicate well in English, you must know about things like tone, body language and facial expressions. You might think an English speaker is being crass, rude or dismissive when they are not! If you understand which words or expressions are acceptable and unacceptable in English-speaking cultures, this might save you from a cultural misunderstanding with your English-speaking friends and coworkers.
6. You can improve your confidence.
As you improve your English your communication skills will increase. You will learn and use idioms (expressions) correctly. As you learn and use the English language, you will be able to interpret or translate for others.
7. You will exercise your brain.
Sometimes we need to do something with our brain to keep it stimulated. Learning English, especially in Canada, is great for this. Many classes are free and often offered online so you can study from the comfort of your own home.