Etiquettes and Mannerism in Canada

Cultural Diversity:

Canada has always been the centre of attraction for its cultural diversities. Traditions and cultures of Europe have left a heavy impact on it. The culture of France and Britain has penetrated into its mainstream exceptionally well. During earlier times, Canada has welcomed people across the world and has encouraged immigrants to follow their own original identities, languages, customs and traditions freely. Canadians are gracious, well mannered, broad minded and enormously community oriented people and love to follow their own basic cultural mannerism and attributes. They are conscientious about their individual’s responsibilities and thus maintain a proportionate balance in all spheres of life.

Regionalism:

Majority of Canadians have strong devotion towards their province. Some of the exceptions based on the regions are-

·         In Atlantic Provinces people are reserved and old fashioned.

·         In Ontario, majority of people are business minded and conservative.

·         In Western Canada, countrymen are friendly and relaxed.

·         In Quebec, individuals have regionalist attitude.

·         Northern Canadians have an intense pioneering spirit.

Mannerism in Canadians:

·         Canadians begin greeting with a handshake.  Firm handshake with a sincere smile and direct eye contact is what they begin with.

·         They love being called by their first name.

·         French Canadians greet each other by kissing their acquaintances lightly first on the left cheek and then on the right ones.

·         The formal conversation begins with a formal pronoun “vous” and later on based on their comfort level they turn it into informal ones.

Give-and-take of gifts:

·         Birthdays and Christmas are a few common occasions when they love to offer gifts to their near-and-dear ones. They carry a box of chocolates, an eminent quality wine bottle or a beautiful bouquet of flowers when invited on dinner; but white lilies are strictly prohibited as they are used for funerals only.

·         Cash is never given as present.

·         Gifts are opened in the presence of guests.

Dining Etiquettes:

·         Continental style with a relaxed mode and a little formality is observed.

·         Do not sit until offered and never rest your elbows on dining table.

·         Hostess begins eating first.

·         Eating or drinking on individual basis is not acceptable.

Business Etiquettes:

·         Businessmen begin relationship with a reserved manner.

·         Politeness and protocols are followed.

·         Handshake at the beginning and at the end of meeting is a must.

·         Men initiate handshake when women are at front.

·         First names are used for calling.

·         Exchange of business cards after initial introduction is common.

·         Communication varies greatly between Anglophones and Francophones.

·         Canadians maintain an arm’s length while talking with each other.

·         They never mingle personal and professional life.

·         Straightforward talks instead of exaggerated ones are welcomed.

·         Meetings are well organized and are confined within time schedules.

·         Canadians are practical persons and are not swept by emotions and passions.