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Gradlife

Overcoming the Messaging that Your English 'Isn't Good Enough' (For Graduate Students)

Mar 15, 2023 05:00 PM to 06:30 PM

Registration Deadline: Mar 15, 2023 04:40 PM



Have you ever been in a situation where you were made to feel like your English was "not good enough"? Has there been a time when you felt reluctant to participate fully in a conversation or feared that you would not be understood? Where do these messages come from and how can we address them?

In this interactive session, we will discuss our identities and inner thoughts as they relate to communicating in English as an additional language (EAL). The workshop will cover topics such as the legitimacy of World Englishes, accents, and dialects; the benefits of multilingualism in academic learning; and translanguaging as a valid practice for integrating your language strengths.

We will also address how to challenge some of the external factors and dynamics that can negatively impact confidence. And in the second half of the session, you will also have the chance to participate in breakout rooms to chat about your experiences and brainstorm strategies to address (or even challenge) these barriers.

We have designed this workshop with the following participants in mind: international students; students who are newcomers to Canada or have a different immigration status; multilingual students; students who use English as an additional language (EAL); and others. If you identify with this subject area, we welcome you to attend!

Note: We understand that this is a sensitive topic and welcome you to participate in whatever way feels comfortable to you (verbally sharing via microphone; writing thoughts in the chat; or listening to the presenters and your peers) and to share only what you are comfortable with.