Vien immigrated to Canada a year ago, and so far, as she tells us life in Canada is really good. Coming to Canada from Hong Kong, Vien works as an interpreter and quality assurance specialist and feels that doing what she does really helps her in bridging the gap between newcomers and Canadians.
Vien speaks Cantonese and Mandarin and her English is excellent, which means working as an interpreter she is able to bridge the gap between Canadians and immigrants. “We get all kinds of calls, insurance companies, legal aid, 911 calls, hospital calls,” Vien explained. All of this means that Vien has to use her language skills to assist those calling for interpretive services. It’s a job that she says allows her to be prepared for all sorts of vocabulary. “A few days ago 911 called, there was an accident. The police were trying to figure out how the lady was feeling and I had to clarify what he looking for,” she said, adding google is her best friend. The job for Vien is a chance to help people and learn new things for herself. In addition the multi-cultural workplace is something that makes Vien happy.
While working allows Vien to hone her already good English language skills, she allows says the pace of work and other things in Canada is a lot different than in Hong Kong. “I think Canada is a good place. I like working with the pace in Canada. In Hong Kong you have to be fast to be efficient – here you can slow down,” she said, noting even something as simple as waiting for the bus is different. In Canada, Vien explained you can talk to people and wait but in Hong Kong you don’t chat with anyone, not the driver nothing, just in line, swipe your card, and get on the bus.
Little nuisances like this are things that make living in Canada unique for Vien and something she loves about being here. “I just came from Hong Kong. I have never been to other cities. In Winnipeg the people are really friendly, it’s so happy for me.”
As a volunteer for folkfest and also working as an usher at the Canada Life Centre, Vien feels like she is able to expand her social circle and practice her English. “I also get to meet new comers and its nice bonding because we are all new and exploring the city. I am quite happy to be volunteering,” Vien said. Interestingly she noted that through her work as an usher, she has discovered how different ages and cultures have what she describes as a “cultural vibe”. These are things that she believes are positive experiences from living in Canada. “Acceptance of different cultures is really high and I appreciate it,” she commented.
One of the most positive things Vien describes is the respectful workplace culture in Canada. In Winnipeg, she says, they take training and are taught about being respectful and about harassment in the workplace – this is something that back home isn’t done. Vien explained they tell you to be respectful but that’s it. The extra training, while common place to Canadian workers is, for a newcomer, an important tool.
When Vien talks about experiencing racism or harassment as a new comer she is as positive about it as she is about her work and her volunteering. While she acknowledges that there is discrimination in Canada she comments it is “more mild”. Vien does note that because her English is not that bad, she may not experience discrimination like other new comers. “My boyfriend and I went to government office to get a driver’s license. His English is not that good and because of COVID we had to be separate. I could communicate well but he wasn’t confident with the English. That officer treated him not that good. The Officer even inputted his information incorrectly. She didn’t give him any information about test or anything else.” Vien explained that he felt bad afterwards. “It’s hard because if you aren’t confident in your English and then get treated like this it makes you feel even less (confident). It’s not a good thing for us.”
Despite hitting hurdles like this scenario, Vien, chats with a smile and positivity, noting that discrimination is all over the world. As a new comer to Canada Vien finds strength in trusting her decisions. “Before I came here I already know it is an English speaking country and I know that I will be different with others. My skin, my face are still different. I would try hard to do my best in my work and my social circle.” Vien sometimes goes as far as joking about herself to minimize the impact of discrimination she may experience. “I don’t want to fight with them. It’s them not me. It is important to choose who you want to be friends with.”
Overall, Vien finds it friendly and nice here in Canada. “Last week at a restaurant an old lady chased me at a McDonalds. She told me my hair was shining under the sun. it was so nice,” Vien shared, adding “I really love here.”
