"The lessons are going very well. Janice reduced the amount of material during our sessions, so it overwhelms me less. She is a very attentive instructor!"
Paul Rosborough
Cantonese course in Oakville.
Cantonese Lessons in Toronto
Of all the foreign languages spoken in Toronto, Cantonese stands out as the most popular. This situates the city as an ideal environment to dive into the language, as you'll not only have the opportunity to engage with some of the approximately 260,000 members of the local Chinese community who speak Cantonese, but you'll also be able to attend a variety of festivals and cultural events to put your skills to the test. On top of that, if you venture into neighbourhoods like local Chinatown, Scarborough, or North York, you'll find ample opportunities to socialize with Cantonese speakers and inquire about their unique traditions.
On the flip side, if you're aiming to elevate your professional standing either in Toronto or internationally, mastering Cantonese is a strategic move. It will open doors for employment with global corporations and grant you access to one of the largest economic markets in the world. Beyond these advantages, learning Cantonese is especially beneficial if you plan to visit China in the near future. A strong grasp of the language will enhance your travel experience in places like Hong Kong, Macau, and the Guangdong province, where Cantonese is widely spoken.
Want to learn about some additional reasons why you should take Cantonese classes in Toronto this year? Then keep on reading and uncover all the benefits of becoming bilingual.
Why Study Cantonese in Toronto?
Learn Cantonese for Work and Travel
If boosting your professional life in Toronto is a priority for you, then learning Cantonese is a wise move. The city, a bustling global business hub, has a growing demand for bilingual professionals, particularly in industries like finance, technology, and international trade. Major corporations such as TD Canada Trust, Scotiabank, and Manulife Financial frequently look for bilingual employees to serve their diverse customer base and to facilitate international business transactions. On the entrepreneurial side, if you're aiming to elevate your business, acquiring Cantonese skills can be a game-changer. Toronto's vibrant Cantonese-speaking community offers a lucrative market to tap into. From sourcing suppliers to negotiating deals, bilingualism provides a competitive edge. Moreover, with China being a significant global economic player, fluency in Cantonese can open doors to international markets.
On the other hand, embracing the Cantonese language can revolutionize your travel experiences, especially in parts of China where it's widely spoken, which include all major cities and the Guangdong province. Knowing Cantonese allows you to dive deeper into the local culture, beyond the surface-level interactions most tourists experience. Instead of sticking to popular tourist traps, you'll have the linguistic tools to explore hidden local spots, negotiate prices in bustling markets, and decode menus at traditional Cantonese restaurants.
Learn Cantonese for Social
Toronto hosts an array of Cantonese cultural events throughout the year, offering numerous occasions for you to immerse yourself in both the Chinese language and the culture. One of the most spectacular events is the annual Lunar New Year celebrations, where the city comes alive with dragon dances, traditional music, and mouth-watering Cantonese cuisine. For Cantonese learners, attending this festival is a dream come true. You’ll not only get to meet numerous members of the local Chinese community, but you’ll get to practise your vocabulary while navigating the bustling marketplace at Chinatown and ordering traditional foods. You’ll also get to listen to folktales, understand the significance of each Lunar New Year animal, and even participate in traditional games and crafts, so make sure you don’t miss this amazing opportunity next February.
Another great event that you should attend is the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival. Organized by the Toronto Chinese Business Association, this vibrant event takes place at Center Island and features teams not just from Canada, but also from all parts of Asia. It's a must-attend for Cantonese learners for a myriad of reasons. First, the festival is a fantastic opportunity to practice your Cantonese by conversing with participants and spectators. Second, it offers a deep dive into Cantonese culture, showcasing traditional dragon boat racing—an ancient Chinese which occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar. Finally, even if you don’t have a team, you can join the Experience Dragon Boat Program to get hands-on experience, making it not just a spectator event but an interactive cultural immersion.
Learn Cantonese for Culture
Learning Cantonese in Toronto not only opens doors to a rich cultural heritage but also to a vibrant social life. The city's diverse population offers countless opportunities to interact with native Cantonese speakers, whether it's at cultural festivals, in the workplace, or even in your daily transactions at restaurants and shops. Knowing the language breaks down barriers, making social interactions more meaningful and enriching.
One fantastic event you can attend to meet other learners and native speakers is the WAA Cantonese/English Language Exchange. This event is designed to bring together people who are eager to practice either Cantonese or English in a relaxed, informal setting. Taking place both online and at various bars around Toronto, it's an ideal venue for language learners of all levels. You get to socialize with native speakers, practise real-world conversations, and make new friends who share similar interests, so don’t forget to attend!
Where to learn Cantonese in and around Toronto?
Looking for Cantonese classes near you? Fortunately, you have some great choices. The University of Toronto has a comprehensive Cantonese program, offering courses from beginner to advanced levels that you should check out, especially if your goal is to study in a more formal setting. On the other hand, the Toronto Public Library also offers beginner lessons, perfect for those who are just starting out and just want to learn some basic words and phrases.
However, if you want a more customized learning path, we at Listen & Learn are here to meet your needs. Our face-to-face courses are crafted to fit your unique goals, and you can choose to enjoy them at the comfort of your home, or office, no matter in what part of Toronto that is. With us, you receive the advantage of one-on-one sessions with native Cantonese-speaking instructors who adapt the curriculum to match your pace and learning preferences. Additionally, our flexible scheduling allows you to take lessons at times most convenient for you, even on weekends. Want to know more about our courses? Then send us a quick inquiry now!
The type of courses we offer:
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) General Cantonese
These Cantonese lessons are more general in nature and are targeted at students with a whole range of different needs. While all beginners level students can expect to cover Survival Cantonese - required for short visits to a country where English may not be spoken and/or the intention is to make good contacts with the local population, students then generally progress in different directions depending on their needs. Typical students include those buying property overseas, spouses of overseas nationals, people about to set off on that long-awaited world trip, Cantonese culture enthusiasts and those who are keen to pass a particular Cantonese examination. Inquire now about our Cantonese Courses.
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) Business Cantonese
Cantonese lessons of this type are aimed towards those that need to learn Cantonese to aid them with their employment. For those just starting out, it is integral to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and reading and writing can be adopted once the simple precepts are out of the way. Success has come from students who are involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, those seeking jobs in multinational companies, and those working with foreign colleagues, academia and bureaucracy. Just our most basic beginners lesson will have the student finishing the lesson with basic telephone/e-mail skills in Cantonese, as well as survival Cantonese should a short stay in the country be needed. Inquire now about our Cantonese Courses.
Face-to-Face Closed (Private) Group General or Business Cantonese
If there are 2 or more of you with the same level of Cantonese, the same targets within the language, and be able to study at the same time and location, then you'll be happy to know that these Cantonese lessons can also be made available for Two-to-One Cantonese Lessons or Small Group In-Company Cantonese Lessons. Listen & Learn do not generally recommend classes of more than 6-8 people, although Taster lessons in Cantonese can run with up to 12 people. Bookings must be made for all participants at the same time. Inquire now about our Cantonese Courses.
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online 1-to-1 (Individual) General or Business Cantonese
Our native speaker qualified Cantonese language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning, afternoon or evening. In certain circumstances, if your home or office is not suitable, you can take your classes at the trainer's office. Lesson books are provided. Inquire now about our Cantonese Courses.
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online Group (Closed or Open) General or Business Cantonese
2 or more people can benefit studying Cantonese together as these Cantonese lessons are also offered to groups (Two-to-One Cantonese Lesson or Small Group In-Company Cantonese Lesson). Every student must have the same degree of knowledge of the language, the same business or language needs and the ability to study at the same time and place as everybody else. The booking has to be made for all students at the same time. Listen & Learn do not advocate group sessions of more than 6-8 people, though Taster Cantonese Lessons can be experienced by up to 12 people. Inquire now about our Cantonese Courses.
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Monica Schwarz
Indonesian in Salt Lake City
Listen & Learn was one of the only programs that offered instruction in Indonesian!
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COADE, Inc.
Language learned: Japanese in Houston.
Consulate General of Belgium
Language learned: Dutch in Atlanta.
