Lesson 5:
At the end of the lesson:
1.At the end of this lesson, you can understand the importance of Canadian etiquette in social interaction.
2.At the end of this lesson, you can use your knowledge of Canadian etiquette to create a brief summary of how you can incorporate this into your daily life.
Planning for this lesson:
What do we already know about the UK etiquette? What do we think the Canadian etiquette is about?
Canadian etiquette and reading strategies.
Fill in the gaps exercise.
Reflect on the Canadian etiquette.
What did we learn in this lesson?
Reading StrategiesBefore you get started, do you know what the reading strategy skimming is?
Skimming is when you quickly read over a text to get an overall idea of it. You do not need to read every word; only highlight/ note down words and sentences that you think are important. Let's practice with this convenient strategy! Take a quick look at the news article on the right side. Answer these questions for yourself. -What do the pictures illustrate? What idea do you get from this news article? -What do you think this text is about? Your answers to these questions should look like: "The pictures illustrate easter..." "The article is about easter, different easter traditions..." "The text in the article is about different easter traditions in different countries..." |
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Easter traditions around the world. (2023, March 31). BBC Newsround. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/47975475
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Reading Exercise
Now that you have practiced with the skimming technique. Let's apply it to the real text!
Before reading: Take a look at the text and use the skimming technique to see what the text is about, note it down for yourself on a paper or a word document. During reading: While you are reading the text, you can make use of the glossary to better understand the text. You're now going to look for these answers in the text and note them down on a paper or in a separate word document. 1.What are some common greetings and communication styles in Canada? 2.What is the purpose of sending thank-you cards or emails in Canadian society, and why is it appreciated? After reading: When you are done reading the text, note down the answer to this following question: 1.Write down one etiquette that is similar to your own cultural etiquette. Explain in short why it is similar. |
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Canadian Etiquette: What You Need to Know to Avoid Cultural Misunderstandings
Welcome to the multicultural tapestry of Canada, where diversity and inclusion form the foundation of social interactions. As you begin this journey through this welcoming nation, understanding Canadian etiquette is important to create meaningful connections and avoid cultural misunderstandings. In this guide, we explore the details of Canadian social norms, communication styles, and customs that shape everyday interactions. From greetings and body language to dining etiquette and workplace behaviour, we aim to give you the knowledge needed to navigate social situations with manners and respect. Whether you are a newcomer, a traveler, or an international student, this exploration will serve as your compass, guiding you through the differences of Canadian etiquette and bridging cultural gaps to embrace the warmth and openness that define the Canadian spirit. Join us as we go on this informative journey, celebrating diversity and creating cross-cultural* understanding for a great experience in Canadian society.
- Greetings and Communication Styles: Canadian greetings are generally friendly and casual, often involving a handshake, smile, and direct eye contact. Canadians value politeness and may use "please" and "thank you" frequently. It's common to address people by their first names in informal settings, but using titles and last names is more appropriate in formal or professional contexts.
- Respecting Personal Space: Canadians value personal space, and it's important to respect the comfort zone of others. Keep an appropriate distance during conversations and be mindful of body language to avoid making others feel uncomfortable.
- Cultural Diversity: Canada is a culturally diverse nation, with people from various backgrounds and traditions. Being open-minded, respectful, and curious about different cultures is highly appreciated.
- Punctuality: Canadians generally value punctuality and expect others to be on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings. Arriving a few minutes early is considered polite and shows respect for others' time.
- Apologies and "Sorry" Culture: Canadians are known for their "sorry" culture, where saying sorry is a common expression of politeness, even for minor situations. Don't be surprised if you hear "sorry" frequently, as it's often used as a form of courtesy and not necessarily an admission of fault.
- Dining Etiquette: When dining with Canadians, wait for everyone to be seated before starting to eat. Use utensils correctly, and keep your elbows off the table. It's common to offer to split the bill when dining out with friends, and tipping is normal in restaurants (usually around 15-20% of the total bill).
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be sensitive to cultural differences and avoid thinking badly about someone's background or beliefs. Respect religious practices and food restrictions when sharing meals or participating in events.
- Workplace Etiquette: In the Canadian workplace, professionalism is highly valued. Treat colleagues and supervisors with respect, and be mindful of office dress codes. Take time to understand the company's culture and expectations.
- Conversation Topics: In social settings, Canadians are generally open to discussing a wide range of topics, such as sports, hobbies, travel, and current events. However, it's best to avoid subjects like politics, religion, and personal finances unless others talk about it first.
- Thank You Notes: Sending thank-you notes or emails to express appreciation for invitations or gifts is a thoughtful gesture appreciated in Canadian culture.
By embracing Canadian etiquette, you can navigate social interactions with ease and build meaningful connections with the people you encounter. Respecting diversity, valuing politeness, and being mindful of cultural sensitivities will contribute to a positive and great experience as you take part in Canada’s social life. This guide is your helper to understanding and appreciating Canadian etiquette, making sure your interactions are filled with warmth, respect, and cross-cultural understanding.
* cross-cultural = between people of different cultures
Canadian etiquette: What you need to know to avoid cultural misunderstandings. (2023, August 4). Rishi Immigration. Retrieved March 12, 2024, from https://www.rishiimmigration.ca/blog/canadian-etiquette-what-you-need-to-know-to-avoid-cultural-misunderstandings
1."Welcome to the multicultural tapestry of Canada, where diversity and inclusion form the foundation of social interactions."
2."In this guide, we explore the details of Canadian social norms, communication styles, and customs that shape everyday interactions."
3."It's common to address people by their first names in informal settings, but using titles and last names is more appropriate in formal or professional contexts."
Ask yourself.....
-What do these words have in common?
-What are their functions within these sentences?
Your answer could be: These words all connect sentences together and are all placed after a comma. They are conjunctions.
Task: Take a look at the text one more time, copy paste the text on your computer, and highlight where you see a conjunction.
Need more help understanding conjunctions? Look at the explanation below.
What is a conjunction? Read the explanation below and look at the picture.
A conjunction is a word that connects words or sentences. It allows us to show the connections between the different subjects we discuss. For example, if we wish to express that we enjoy apples and bananas, we use the word 'and' to connect them. So, 'and' is a conjunction since it connects two items. Conjunctions lengthen our sentences and allow us to tell more complete stories.
Education, J. G. M. (2022). What is a conjunction? explanation, usage, and examples. In Yourdictionary. https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/what-are-conjunctions
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62 Conjunction list in English. (2022, January 7). GrammarSimple.com. https://grammarsimple.com/conjunctions/62-conjunction-list-in-english/
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Now that you know what conjunctions are, try it out by doing the exercise below.
Fill in the gaps with the correct conjunctions:
To complete this lesson, you now have to do a writing task. Take a look at the strategies if you need help!
This is individual work. Task: Write a short Instagram post describing how you can apply Canadian etiquette principles in your daily life. The Instagram post should be between 60 – 70 words. |
Writing Strategies:
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