2015 to 2021 immigrants speaking South Asian language at home rise

2015 to 2021 immigrants speaking South Asian language at home rise

The Canadian population is booming since the increased inflow of immigrants in 2015. Even though the official languages of Canada are French and English, the latest Statistics Canada report shows that one-third of the immigrant population in Canada speak a language other than English and or French at home.


This population is rising due to positive Canadian immigration trends. However, that does not decrease the foothold of official languages in Canada. As per linguistic purview, South Asian languages are seeing a stronger hold in Canadian homes. As they vouch to keep their native/mother tongue alive in a foreign land. As a result, we can see the linguistic demography and diversity of Canada getting more vibrant day by day.

  • The increase in the Canadian population is lower than that of the rise in South Asian language speakers.
  • This includes people who speak languages such as Punjabi, Gujrati, Malayalam, or Hindi.
  • The report states that 1 in 5 Canadians use one of these languages at home


Looking at the statistical data we can see the following growth patterns:

  • Malayalam saw an increase of 36,000 speakers (+126%).
  • Hindi saw a rise of 92,000 speakers (+66%).
  • Punjabi saw a rise of 520,000 speakers (+49%).
  • Gujrati saw a rise of 92,000 speakers (+43%).


Besides, the rise in speakers of these languages is 8 times higher than that of the population growth rate in Canada.


South Asian countries India and China are top sources of immigrant inflow

2015 to 2021 immigrants speaking South Asian language at home rise. And the reason for the same is the contribution of South Asian countries towards a strong immigrant inflow in Canada. 


Looking at the 2022 data up till June 2022, India tops the list with 68,820 people moving to Canada. Whereas China comes in second with 16,540 people choosing to call Canada their home. 
In addition, the third rank is rightfully claimed by the Philippines with 12,630 people moving to Canada for settlement purposes.


This is the reason why the population demographic saw a rise of 4.6 million people by 2021. These are the people who are proficient in speaking a language other than English and or French at home.


The list of countries that are top contributors to Canada’s population is:

  • India
  • China
  • Philippines
  • Afghanistan
  • Nigeria
  • Iran
  • France
  • USA
  • Pakistan
  • Brazil


South Asian speakers claim 1/3rd of the Canadian population

2015 to 2021 immigrants speaking South Asian language at home rise. All thanks to the ever-growing Canada Immigration Levels targets. In 2022, Canada is all set to welcome up to 435,000 people in Canada. In addition, the country is aiming to welcome up to 500,000 applicants each year.


As a result, South Asian countries being the major source of immigrant inflow have certain effects. For example, the inclusion of a foreign language in a country surely alters the linguistic demographic in various areas. However, before expanding on the same we must also see that the rise in South Asian speakers in no way diminishes or reduces the significance or impact of the 2 official Canadian languages. 

In fact, between 2015 to 2021 we see a 75.5% rise in people speaking English. But for French, the figure dropped from 21.1% (2016) to 21.4% (2021).


The rise in the number of people choosing to speak their native/mother tongue stems from multiple factors. Such factors can have either direct, indirect, or generational impacts on the people moving or being exposed to the language experience. Such elements can be effectively traced as diasporic experiences. This refers to the immigrant experience who had or is feeling a loss of identity while trying to accumulate into a different culture/society/country. As a result, they are trying to get a strong hold on foreign soil.

We are not measuring the same in the 2022 scenario. However. the generation of Canadians who may have seen this past phenomenon may have shared a similar feeling. Thus, integrating and preserving the use of native/mother tongue as a way of keeping their cultural identity.


Effect of South Asian languages on the Canadian population

New immigrants having a strong hold on their native identity is not seen as a negative sign In Canada. The Canadian populace due to their immigrant-friendly policies, open-mindedness, and welcoming attitude have embraced the foreigners as their kin. We see them participating and welcoming influences in art, cultural events, food, clothing, and artistic expressions – visual & audio.

2015 to 2021 immigrants speaking South Asian language at home rise
2015 to 2021 immigrants speaking South Asian language at home rise. This is possible because of Canada’s efforts toward welcoming foreign immigrants as much as possible.


And offering the best a developed country has to offer. 
So, why would not anyone choose to move abroad and lead a successful life? With Canada offering quick and easy pathways to get a Canada visa, the country is the hot spot for immigration.


And, if you want to settle and raise a family with no worries, then Canada is the best choice for you. So, apply now!

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