Things To Know Before You Go To Canada...really?

[locolynn]

The site has two uses:

1 - Read it enough times and you will cure insomnia.

2 - Print every page if you have run out of toilet paper.

AAAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAA LOL!!! loves it!

 

[locolynn]

I just wanted to toss my two cents in...

I kind if rake issue with people painting Canadians as rude or unfriendly...

Canada has it's own cultural norms just like every other country in the world. Some are glaring and some are subtle. It's those really subtle ones that are the kicker. Sometimes newcomers aren't aware they've crossed some invisible boundary. Sometimes the social cues are as minor as a tone or a gesture. In a lot of cases it comes down to misunderstandings.

I've lived (not vacationed in) a few really different cultures and there always things I would normally consider rude - as well as numerous things I do (or don't do) that are perceived as "rude". What seems rude to one is business as usual to another.

Perhaps some people come from Wnglish speaking countries and assume they won't face those same pitfalls...or others think they have watched enough American movies and tv to understand how Canadians think.

Lynn

 

[Bangkokcanuck]

In a lot of cases it comes down to misunderstandings.

I've lived (not vacationed in) a few really different cultures and there always things I would normally consider rude - as well as numerous things I do (or don't do) that are perceived as "rude". What seems rude to one is business as usual to another.

You hit the nail on the head for me, it took me a while to adjust to meeting people in Thailand and having them say to me. "oh you really get more fat" then laugh and think I should be thrilled with this comment. When in fact in Thailand it is a compliment, meaning that I am well off enough to eat well and not have to work too hard etc...

Or the touching of anyone on the head is a huge insult..

Or using your FOOT to point at anything like one would never think twice about doing in North America..

The list goes on of course but it is so true that you really must know the culture you are moving to and learn it by living there not reading about it or watching it on TV.

Plus it must be always kept in mind that just because you see something as rude or not, you have to remember you are imposing your PREVIOUS locations sensibility...

 

[RedAlert]

Oh come on guys.....admit that the pyjama pants part is true....ever been to a Walmart?? ;-)))

 

[tink23]

Oh come on guys.....admit that the pyjama pants part is true....ever been to a Walmart?? ;-)))

If that guy lives close to a university, it's definitely true! hahaha. Many university students, particularly those in 1st year living in residence on campus, their sole purpose is to ensure their comfort, and pj pants are the best way at achieving that. lol.

Who cares if people want to walk around in comfortable pj pants??!! And he was the one saying Canadians are the vain ones obsessed with how they look???????? HA! Horizons seriously need to be expanded!

 

[CandC2009]

I think anyone who is immigrating or is living in Canada needs to make sure they are not trying to paint Canadians with unrealistic standards. are Canadians generally nice and friendly yes but unrealistic standards make it harder for you to get to know people and then you become unhappy because others are not meeting up to these standards and your opinion of your home country becomes glorified 'they were so much nicer!' If you're having a hard time fitting in and making friends are you sure its the cause of everyone else?

I also agree with this poster:

I just wanted to toss my two cents in...

I kind if rake issue with people painting Canadians as rude or unfriendly...

Canada has it's own cultural norms just like every other country in the world. Some are glaring and some are subtle. It's those really subtle ones that are the kicker. Sometimes newcomers aren't aware they've crossed some invisible boundary. Sometimes the social cues are as minor as a tone or a gesture. In a lot of cases it comes down to misunderstandings.

We may speak english but Canada has a different culture and what is acceptable in England or even the US may be perceived as rude here and vise versa. When you move to Canada dont expect people to be the same as they were in your home country and dont hold us to unrealistic standards. Canada is a large country and you can't paint us all with the same brush.

 

[toby]

Found this during my surfing escapades: http://www.hotwic.com/view_293__FAQ.html

Yet, I believe it cant be all bad and that Canada has a lot to offer!

The article is rubbish -- from my point of view, at least. I find (my fellow) Canadians quite friendly. If they don't answer the telephone at night, it is to avoid telephone salespeople, not to avoid the immigrant who may be calling to arrange a coffee together.

This is not an article; it is a rant -- a rant that says more about the author than about Canada.

Most of the author's views are quite negative; perhaps he has had a bad experience in Canada, and that is regrettable, but he is irresponsible to pretend that his jaundiced views are a balanced report on Canada.

The author reveals his bias my making outright errors of fact. For example: he says that Canadian banks won't offer you a debit card and credit card. Absolutely wrong! I arranged an appointment with a Canadian bank, and came out of the appointment with a debit card already activated. I had no credit history in Canada at that time (having left Canada ten years earlier). The credit card arrived in the mail 4 days later. I have used banks in 5 different countries, and I can assure you that the Canadian banks are at the top of the list.

I am Canadian (even though I left the country 10 years ago) and I can promise you that NO Canadians consider burping and farting in public to be acceptable manners. The author is being silly, wrong, and irresponsible.

I could pick this article apart on many points, but you get the idea: it's a gross distortion, and not worth further effort to refute it.

 

[locolynn]

Oh come on guys.....admit that the pyjama pants part is true....ever been to a Walmart?? ;-)))

Not only is it true... But I am guilty of it myself! Lol!

 

[MandyUK]

I have seen the kids go to school in PJ's and also wings

 

[Canooknic]

I am a huge PJ lover, and have a massive collection of them, but they stay in the house...occasionally they get to the end of the drive to put the trash out but that's as far as they travel. It is tempting to nip to the store in them sometimes though!!!

 

[canuck0469]

I was born Canadian and lived here most of my life. I have had the priviledge of working in various other countries and find the views of our new fellow countrymen quite interesting. I do open the door for my wife and Mother, walk on the street side, pull out the chairs etc. In other environments though I find most of the ladies will race to the door to open it first, there is no expectation of being catered to. North Americans have fought for many years for equal rights, equal pay, equal job opportunities and my view is our beautiful ladies may be a bit more modern. Not saying that other countires are behind in this but from an outside perpesctive this may appear rude. My wife who is an immigrant has made a great deal of friends and has created quite a social network. I do get a chuckle out of some sweats and pj's into the local stores, but I have seen similiar in all the countries I have been to. I also see people dressed to the 9's to buy milk etc. It is not different cultures but more individual choices. Some feel comfortable in themselves and do not feel the need to dress up for someone elses benefit. Others take the time to don nice clothes because it makes them feel good, all about personal choices, after all, this is Canada and you feel free to do this without oppression. Those that struggle to make acquantances will adjust and find out what works. Many Canadians and immigrants alike do not have the social networking that is very common in other countries, my wife can spend many hours on the cell or FB, I would prefer to leave my BB at home. This is the beauty of Canada, personal choices

 

[MandyUK]

I was born Canadian and lived here most of my life. I have had the priviledge of working in various other countries and find the views of our new fellow countrymen quite interesting. I do open the door for my wife and Mother, walk on the street side, pull out the chairs etc. In other environments though I find most of the ladies will race to the door to open it first, there is no expectation of being catered to. North Americans have fought for many years for equal rights, equal pay, equal job opportunities and my view is our beautiful ladies may be a bit more modern. Not saying that other countires are behind in this but from an outside perpesctive this may appear rude. My wife who is an immigrant has made a great deal of friends and has created quite a social network. I do get a chuckle out of some sweats and pj's into the local stores, but I have seen similiar in all the countries I have been to. I also see people dressed to the 9's to buy milk etc. It is not different cultures but more individual choices. Some feel comfortable in themselves and do not feel the need to dress up for someone elses benefit. Others take the time to don nice clothes because it makes them feel good, all about personal choices, after all, this is Canada and you feel free to do this without oppression. Those that struggle to make acquantances will adjust and find out what works. Many Canadians and immigrants alike do not have the social networking that is very common in other countries, my wife can spend many hours on the cell or FB, I would prefer to leave my BB at home. This is the beauty of Canada, personal choices

Well said ;D

 

[dair2dv8103100]

Or using your FOOT to point at anything like one would never think twice about doing in North America..

?? seriously ?? LOL ... I have never seen this...

 

[tink23]

?? seriously ?? LOL ... I have never seen this...

Me neither hahahah. That's so random!
Maybe the person was holding a lot of stuff in their hands and had no choice but to use their foot to direct someone... In Dominican Republic they point with their lips, even if their hands are free... haha.

 

[dair2dv8103100]

In Dominican Republic they point with their lips, even if their hands are free... haha.

Wow...thats something I have to see...LOL... hmm I love random excuses to travel to new places ;D