Celebrating the Languages that Make Up Amplify Consulting

Our team at Amplify Consulting Inc. brings a rich mix of cultures, perspectives, and languages. From French and Dutch to Spanish and Hindi, each of our team members has a unique story that reflects where we come from, who we are, and the communities we connect with.

Here is a glimpse into our journeys!

Foram

Fluent in five languages, Foram brings incredible versatility to our team, embodying what it means to live and work in a multilingual world!

“Namo Namaha ( नमो नमः; Hello in Sanskrit). I grew up in a multicultural community where languages were all around me, in my family, with neighbours, and among friends. At home, I learned Gujarati from my mom’s side of the family and Kutchi (a dialect) from my dad’s side. In school, I studied English and Hindi, which was both my state language and one of the most widely spoken languages across India. Because accents and languages change every few kilometres in India, I was naturally exposed to many others. Hum jahan hote hai gul mil jaatey hai (Wherever we go, we mix in and connect easily). My neighbours spoke Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi and Sindhi, so I began to understand them just by being around those conversations. For my third language in school, I chose Sanskrit, something that also connected me to the chants my grandparents (dada and dadi) taught me when I was young. Later, in college, I decided to learn French as I was planning to study in Canada.

All of these experiences made language feel like second nature to me. I can easily switch between them depending on the situation or the person I’m speaking with. Each language carries not just meaning, but also a memory of the people and places where I learned it. Enchanté, Dhonnobad, Achija (Nice to meet you in French, thank you in Bengali, and see you in Kutchi).”

Amy

Amy’s fluency in French adds another important layer to the work we do. Whether it’s appreciating Canada’s Francophone culture or connecting with French-speaking clients and partners, her language skills are a true asset.

“I moved to Montreal when I was 29 and although there are English-speaking enclaves in the city, my new neighbourhood was 100% pure laine, which is to say 100% Québécois. Nothing is more motivating than complete immersion for learning a second language, and so I started my journey to speak French. I remember being bewildered early on when my friend asked her toddler if she was "dans la lune," because what I heard was "Are you in the moon?" This expression is a friendly way of asking if you’re lost in thought or daydreaming.”

Aleece

Learning a new language as an adult takes commitment, curiosity, and courage. Aleece is currently learning Dutch and embracing the joys and challenges of stepping into a new language.

“427 days ago - as my Duolingo streak will confirm - I started a daily ritual of learning Dutch or Nederlands. My family is originally from the Netherlands, immigrating to Canada soon after World War II. Although my Oma and Opa (my grandparents) spoke Nederlands in their home, we didn't because my dad was a firm believer that since we were Canadians, we should learn to speak both English and French. In planning for a trip back to the homeland this summer, I wanted to dig into the language of my ancestors, and I found it soul-fulfilling and wonderful te spreken Nederlands (to speak Nederlands)! Good thing too, because everywhere we went, most people would automatically assume I was from the country and engage me in conversation in the language. After asking people to speak langzamer alsjeblieft (slower please), I was delighted to engage with people in the language and thank them for their geduld (patience). I encourage people I know to learn the language of their ancestors - to me it's more than just another tool, it's a way to reconnect with your family roots. Bedankt (thank you)!”

Valeria

As a native Spanish speaker, Valeria brings a vibrant and warm cultural perspective to her communication - both internally and with clients.

“Growing up in El Salvador, Spanish was mi primer idioma (my first language). Even though I learned English at a young age, Spanish represents my childhood, in a way. It’s the language that ultimately shaped the way I perceived the world, and because of that, it takes me back to a time when everything around me seemed less complex. Every time I meet someone who speaks Spanish in Canada, it makes me feel a bit closer to that safe place.

For many, Spanish is the happiest and most passionate language – and I agree! With so many different options to express a single sentimiento (feeling), it’s its own adventure. I also find it quite funny how people from different countries make this language their own, so the same word in Spain might be a completely different one in Mexico, and so on. With Spanish, you never really stop learning – which I find very cool, or as people from El Salvador would say, muy chivo! Ultimately, no matter how far away I may be, Spanish is a part of me that I hold and will always hold close to my heart.”

No matter the different languages and dialects each of us may speak, it is clear that language serves as a powerful bridge to understanding, empathy, and connection. As a team, we’re proud to reflect the diversity of the world around us, not just in how we look, but in how we communicate, think, and engage!