The Qubcois accents threw this Mexican immigrant for a loop, so he went back to language school - Action News
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MontrealVideo

The Qubcois accents threw this Mexican immigrant for a loop, so he went back to language school

Eduardo Mrquez knew if he wanted to make a life for himself in Montreal, he had to fully embrace learning both English and French.

Speaking French fluently was a personal requirement for Eduardo Mrquez ahead of move to Montreal

Eduardo Mrquez prepared for his move to Montreal from Mexico City with years of English and French lessons so he wouldn't miss any opportunity that could come his way. (Submitted by Eduardo Mrquez)

Eduardo Mrquezknew if he was going to come to Montreal for schooland eventually call it home, he'd need to dive into language classes.

For years before making the move from Mexico City, he spent time learning English and French. Despite that, it wasn't initially easy to integrate with the language here.

"As anybody who immigrates here will tell you, nothing really prepares you for the Qubcois accent,"Mrquezsaid.

"Most of us study continental French and we get used to that pronunciation."

So, he went back to language school and combined it with work at a pharmacy.

"It allowed me to get used to the accents, the phrases, the bad words as well, which are pretty funny."

Mrquezalso notes, it helps his mother tongue is Spanish, which made learning French a bit easier. The languages share the same structures, as Romance languages.

WATCH| CBC's Sarah Leavitt meets Eduardo Mrquezto talk language:

This multilingual Mexican dove into language classes and work to improve his French

2 years ago
Duration 1:19
Eduardo Mrquez moved to Montreal in 2014, with years of French and English lessons under his belt. He wasn't prepared for the Qubcois accent though, so he buckled in for more learning.