Speaking Belonging: How Language Diversity Shapes Winnipeg’s Civic Life

In Winnipeg, where more than 100 languages are spoken, communication is about more than grammar or vocabulary—it shapes how people belong, connect, and contribute to their communities. For newcomers like Natalia Almeida, Lina Gonzales, and Camila (Kami) Contreras, the journey of learning English has been more than a personal challenge. It has been a bridge to social inclusion and civic participation.

During a recent discussion hosted by U Multicultural, these young Winnipeggers shared stories that highlight not only the difficulties of learning a new language but also the resilience, creativity, and cultural richness that come with it. Natalia, who speaks three languages, described how the structural differences between Spanish and English often made her feel like she had to “re-learn” knowledge she already possessed. “I knew many things in Spanish, but in school here, I had to learn all the concepts again in English,” she explained. Her struggle reflects a broader reality: without strong language support, many immigrant students face barriers to academic success and self-confidence.

Kami, who speaks Spanish, English, and Korean, remembered that even the alphabet posed challenges. “There are some letters in Spanish that don’t exist in English or Korean,” she said. But her story also revealed creativity and adaptability. Sometimes she relied on gestures, like miming drinking water, to get her point across. Her experience is a reminder that communication is not only about words but also about persistence, connection, and the many ways people find to make themselves understood.

Despite these hurdles, both Natalia and Kami discovered support and belonging in unexpected places. Natalia was surprised to find that many people she met in Winnipeg already knew some basic Spanish. “It was funny. Sometimes I would just say ‘taza’ or something in Spanish, and people understood,” she recalled. These small interactions show how multicultural the city truly is, and how even single words can serve as bridges between cultures. Kami shared how she once taught a friend Korean while learning English herself. What began as a simple language exchange grew into a moment of cultural sharing that drew in others, transforming into an impromptu “classroom” in the community. These stories reflect an important truth: newcomers are not only learners, they are also teachers, bringing their own languages and cultural knowledge into Winnipeg’s shared spaces.

Language diversity has both social and civic value. It fosters cross-cultural understanding, makes schools and workplaces more inclusive, and contributes to a city that thrives on diversity. Every new language spoken in Winnipeg adds to its cultural capital, creativity, and sense of belonging. Research shows multilingual cities are more resilient and innovative, and this is visible here in events like Folklorama, where volunteers like Natalia and Kami celebrate their heritage while learning about others. As Kami put it after volunteering at the Italian pavilion, “It made me want to learn Italian. It felt easier because of the similarity with Spanish.” Language becomes more than a tool for survival—it becomes a path for curiosity, exchange, and civic pride.

Along the way, Natalia and Kami also shared advice for others navigating similar challenges. They suggested watching movies, listening to music, and using the “shadowing” method—repeating phrases as you hear them—as fun, low-pressure ways to learn. These tips reflect a larger truth: when learning is joyful, it is more effective. But their stories also carried a message for the broader community. Patience, openness, and small gestures of understanding can make all the difference. Even a willingness to listen to “single-word” communication, or to try out a word of Spanish, creates a more welcoming space for newcomers to grow and feel at home.

The stories of Natalia, Lina, and Kami are more than personal anecdotes; they are reflections of Winnipeg itself—a city enriched by migration, languages, and cultural exchange. Supporting language learning is not only about helping individuals succeed, but it is also about strengthening the civic fabric as a whole. Every newcomer’s effort to learn English is also a gift to Winnipeg. They bring new voices, accents, and perspectives that make the city more dynamic and connected. In their words and their struggles, we are reminded that Winnipeg’s greatest strength lies in its people, and in the many ways they choose to say “home.”