About Me

Since I value getting to know my students and the families with whom I work, I'll take this space to give you a chance to get to know me a little better!

My name is Sonia Yazbek and I am Canadian-Lebanese, born and raised in Canada. My parents fled Lebanon during the civil war in the 1970s and came to Canada with big hopes and dreams, but little English. For my entire childhood, the language that was heard and used the most at home was Arabic (Lebanese dialect). I grew up speaking both Arabic and English and even remember having to interpret for my parents in certain situations. I often joke and say that I didn't become an EAL Teacher, rather that I grew up as one! Ask me for some funny stories, I've got a few!

Growing up in a bilingual home was definitely interesting. We were taught how to read and write in Arabic as children, but those skills unfortunately were not very well developed. There was something about going to "Lebanese School" every Friday night that slowed down our ability to learn! My English far exceeded my Arabic and English quickly became the dominant language and easily became my language of choice. At the same time, my parents were slowly starting to progress in English, by learning phrases and communicating the necessities. Although the language barrier posed a challenge, they were both hard working business owners in their trade and did their best to adapt to their new life in Canada. A huge part of that was to maintain our home language and culture, while also acquiring and learning the language and culture that surrounded us. Thanks to my parents, I had a strong connection to my roots while being very aware and appreciative of our life here. Canada was a safe place, our home, and I loved that I was able to grow up with both cultures.

Having an additional language made it easier for me to learn French in school. After having graduated with my first degree from Dalhousie University in a Bachelor of Science (Biology), I decided to go back to University and concentrate on studying French. So I went back, took every single French course offered, studied a few semesters at Université de Montréal, and slowly became proficient and fluent in French. Though I was not entirely sure what I wanted to do next, I decided to apply to the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Program at Université Sainte-Anne, the only francophone university in Nova Scotia. I was accepted and the choice after that was simple; I began my teaching degree (in my third language - this is not easy people!) and became a teacher. A French Immersion Teacher - a Language Teacher. A few short years later as a more experienced teacher, I then graduated with my Masters of Education in ESL and some more years later, I now love my role as an EAL Teacher.

I have a true interest in languages and culture and do my best to maintain the three that I have. My own personal experiences have led me to this role and to me it's an important one. I truly enjoy what I do - getting to know my students and their families and hearing their stories, watching them progress in their new life. I understand the challenges they face, have the first hand experience and knowledge to be able to help and support them, through the good and bad times. I can relate and can give them heartfelt advice and model effective strategies that I myself needed and used. Learning a new language in general is not easy, and learning content, going to school in a new language is nothing short of remarkable. I take great pride in my own journey and feel honored that I get to be a part of my students'.

Language and culture are inseparable! While I love hearing multiple languages around me, learning new words, sounds, expressions, etc. I equally love learning about different customs and traditions. I grew up dancing and performing Lebanese folklore dance in multicultural and Lebanese festivals around the city, and this has led me to be curious about the beautifully diverse world around us. Lucky for me, I get to explore this world everyday in my job, through my students.

So, that's a little bit about me. Thanks for reading!

If you have any questions or just love to connect with others about language learning, life in Canada and anything to do with multilingualism and/or multiculturalism - I'd love to chat :)