Here’s How I’m Becoming Fluent In Canadian

Did you watch the video I sent you on Friday?

Did you hear any strange new words?

I did!

TOQUE

At the end of the video, Doug says, “That’s a sharp lookin’ toque you got there, eh, Bob.”

“What’s a toque?” I wondered.

Here’s how I learned it.

I didn’t sign up for lessons at The Canadian Institute.

I didn’t download the Learn Canadian app.

I did something better…

I taught myself!

And I recommend you do the same.

It’s a skill we all had as children and then forgot when we became “smart” adults.

Step one is to listen.

But I mean really listen — listen actively.

Try to hear new words.

Step two is to be curious.

Ask yourself, What does that mean?

Step three is to try to figure it out.

Sometimes this is easy.

In Friday’s video, Doug was looking at Bob’s head when he said “toque” so I figured out he was talking about his hat.

But if you can’t figure it out…

Step four is to ask.

Ask Señor Google.

Ask Mr. AI.

Or ask a friendly Vig Village native speaker.

Be your own teacher in three to four easy steps!

Cheers,
Mr. Vig

P.S.

How do you pronounce “toque”?

What do Americans say instead?

And what’s the difference between today’s Atomic Phrasal Verb “figure out” and discover?

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