McGill Survey Reveals 50 Years of Change in Canadian English: American Influence and Uniformity

A new survey from McGill University updates the landmark 1972 Survey of Canadian English, revealing significant shifts over five decades. Researchers found that Canadian English has become more uniform across regions, with regional differences fading. At the same time, American terms and pronunciations have been increasingly adopted, reflecting the powerful influence of U.S. media and culture. Interestingly, the use of Canadian spellings—such as 'colour' and 'centre'—has actually gained in popularity, suggesting a deliberate assertion of national identity in written language. The study, which surveyed Canadians from coast to coast, highlights the dynamic tension between Americanization and Canadian distinctiveness. These findings matter because language is a key marker of cultural identity, and understanding these trends helps explain how Canadians navigate their relationship with their powerful neighbour. As English continues to evolve, future surveys may show whether this trend toward uniformity and Americanization continues or if new regional variations emerge.