Greeting a Canadian is just like greeting anyone in any other country — with respect and a smile. The most common greeting in Canada is “Hello” or “Hi”, but Canadians often like to get a bit more personal than people in some other countries.
If you’re in an informal setting, such as with a friend or a colleague, it’s perfectly acceptable to give a hug, a high five, or a handshake. Try to match the person’s level of familiarity — If they offer a hug, you can give them one back.
It’s also polite to use someone’s name when you greet them, if you know it. Whether it’s someone you’ve just met or someone you’ve known for a while, using someone’s name can show that you care about them and want to show them proper respect.
Of course, Canadians are welcoming and friendly so chances are, you’ll be greeted warmly no matter what you do. Just relax, be yourself, and above all, don’t forget to smile!
What is considered impolite in Canada?
In Canada, there are a variety of behaviors that are considered impolite. It is generally frowned upon to be loud and disrespectful in public places, to smoke or litter in public, to push in line or cut corners, and to be overly familiar with strangers.
It is also seen as inappropriate to be late, to avoid eye contact, or to be rude to store clerks, service providers, and people in authority. Canadians place a high value on politeness and mutual respect, and many of the common courtesies of polite behavior are expected, such as saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ and using appropriate language.
Generally speaking, it is best to stay on the side of politeness whenever possible, to respect those around you, and to be conscious of your actions.
What are 3 traditions in Canada?
Canada has many customs and traditions that are reflective of the country’s multiculturalism, Indigenous heritage, and national pride. Here are three traditions that have become synonymous with Canada:
1. The Canadian Flag – The Maple Leaf is one of the most recognizable flags in the world and is often seen adorning all sorts of items in Canada. The maple leaf symbolizes the country’s unshakable national pride, identity, and distinct place in the world.
2. Thanksgiving – The U.S. isn’t the only country in North America to set aside special days for giving thanks. Canadians move from their usual habits of eating turkey and stuffing in November to pick up a turkey dinner and celebrate Thanksgiving in October.
Thanksgiving in Canada is a tradition that dates back centuries to when Indigenous people performed ceremonies of gratitude.
3. Hockey – Hockey is Canada’s official winter sport and a beloved national pastime. Hockey is so deeply engrained in Canadian culture that it even has its own holiday, “Hockey Day in Canada,” which is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in February.
The nation comes together each year to enjoy watching NHL games, to lace up their skates, and to reminisce about past hockey greats.
What are 5 things that define Canadian culture?
1. Multiculturalism – Canada has been described as the world’s first “post-national” country, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated in all its forms. This is seen in its policy of multiculturalism, where all citizens are encouraged to keep their cultural and religious beliefs and traditions, while simultaneously developing a shared sense of belonging to the Canadian nation.
2. Equality – Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the basic rights and freedoms of all citizens. As outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, all Canadians have the right to be treated equally before and under the law, and to be free from discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity and other social identities.
3. Love of Nature – Canada is famous for its vast and diverse natural landscapes, from the boreal forests of the north, the tall peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the lush greenery of the east. Canadians have a deep and abiding love for their natural landscape and are committed to protecting it for future generations.
4. Immigrant Tradition – Canada has a long history of welcoming and integrating immigrants from around the world, and has made great strides in creating a welcoming and inclusive culture for new arrivals.
Canadian laws and programs seeking to protect refugees and other immigrants are recognized worldwide for their progressive approach.
5. Global Connections – Canada is an active and engaged member of the global community. From peacekeeping missions around the world to diplomatic initiatives at home and abroad, Canada’s commitment to international cooperation is an essential part of its culture and identity.
What are common Canadian values?
Common Canadian values are primarily centered around freedom, cultural diversity and human rights. These values are found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is part of the Constitution Act of 1982.
The value of freedom is strongly linked to individual rights and is seen in the way in which Canadians are allowed to express themselves freely and without fear of persecution. This includes freedom of speech and the right to dissent.
Canada also values cultural diversity and multiculturalism. This is supported by the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988, which promotes the ability to participate and integrate within Canada, regardless of race, ethnicity or culture.
This has allowed Canada to be a country which celebrates the history and contributions of multiple cultures and communities.
Human rights are another important value in Canada. This includes freedom from discrimination, the right to social justice, freedom of religion and the right to a fair trial. Canada also has a policy of zero tolerance for violence against women and has adopted a number of initiatives to ensure that women’s rights are upheld.
These values are integrated into the laws, policies and culture of the country and encourage Canadians to treat each other with respect and tolerance.
What do Canadians like the most?
Canadians can be quite diverse in what they like the most, as it varies across the country. However, some popular interests include hockey, the outdoors, Canadian craft beer and food, Canadian fashion, and the great Canadian outdoors!
Hockey is a staple in Canadian culture and is an important aspect of the country’s identity. Canada is also known for its beautiful and diverse landscape, with mountains, forests, lakes and rivers. There is something for everyone to explore and appreciate.
Additionally, craft beer and food have been gaining a great deal of appreciation in recent years. Many Canadian restaurants feature locally-sourced ingredients and a variety of regional dishes. Canadian fashion has also become popular, with designers creating pieces inspired by the Arctic or mountain ranges of Canada.
Last but not least, Canadians enjoy the great outdoors and all that it has to offer. From hiking and camping, to skiing and snowboarding, Canadians appreciate the beauty of nature and embrace its importance in their lives.
What are things Canadians say that Americans dont?
Canadians often use unique expressions and words that may not be familiar to Americans. For example, they might say “oot and aboot” to mean “out and about.” Canadians also have their own distinctive version of American English, referred to as “Canadian English,” and this can include pronunciations, vocabulary and grammatical features that Americans may not recognize.
Canadians also have terms for objects or activities that may not be understood by Americans. For example, “chukka boots” refer to a type of leather ankle boot, and “ski-dooing” is a slang term for snowmobiling.
Canadians also use unique slang, such as “eh,” an expression used to make a statement sound more like a question, or “douce,” an adjective meaning “pleasant” or “agreeable.”
In addition, Canadians have terms for currency and measurements that may differ from those used in the United States. For example, Canadians refer to their national currency as the loonie and twoonie, respectively referring to coins and banknotes of one and two Canadian dollars.
Canadians also measure distances in kilometres, whereas Americans typically use miles.
What words do Canadian say differently?
Canadians often have their own lexicon of words and phrases that typically differ from that of other English-speaking countries. This can lead to some confusion when speaking with people from different countries.
Some of the words and phrases that Canadians use differently include:
Loonie: a Canadian one-dollar coin;
Toonie: a Canadian two-dollar coin;
Mickey: a 375ml bottle of liquor;
Doucebag: a jerk;
Give’er: to give it your all;
Eh: a word used to confirm something or ask for agreement;
Klick: kilometer;
Pop/soda: carbonated soft drink;
Bummie: an affectionate term for a small bumblebee;
Rubber: eraser;
Garburator: garbage disposal;
Chesterfield: a sofa;
Taco: an upright piano;
Paper: newspaper;
Two-four: a case of 24 beers;
Skid: something placed on a skid for easier (often industrial) transit;
Parkade: a multi-level parking garage;
Goon: a bag of low-end wine;
Fresher: a term for a first-year university student;
On the side: take-out food;
Double-double: a coffee order consisting of two creams and two sugars.
How do Canadians say Z?
In Canada, we say “zed” when we are pronouncing the letter Z. This is the way that most English-speaking people in Canada would say the letter, though other dialects and forms of English may be spoken in certain regions.
In some slang, the letter Z is also sometimes pronounced as “zee” by some Canadians, but this is not the standard way that most of us speak.
