How to Study Canadian Customs

Canada is a diverse country with large immigrant and indigenous populations as well as distinctly French- and English-speaking populations. Its culture varies widely from coast to coast and from urban to rural areas. To study Canadian customs, you need to examine the different groups that comprise the country.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand that regions have different customs depending upon the language spoken. The two major Canadian languages are English and French, but there are also a number of indigenous Aboriginal languages and other languages spoken. Overall, Canada has 85 languages actively in use.

2. Focus on one language region at a time. French-derived customs are prevalent in Quebec and New Brunswick, while British-derived customs are prevalent throughout the rest of the country. Different Aboriginal and immigrant groups maintain their own customs, which you can find by researching the specific groups.

3. Seek out books and articles that address specific language regions, immigrants or indigenous people of Canada. Breaking your study into these groups allows you to understand the individual cultural elements that comprise Canada as a whole.

4. Discover the similarities in customs across language groups once you've examined the different groups. Overall, Canadians value punctuality but aren't overly formal in their approach to life. Though different groups prize different holidays, they unite to celebrate Canada Day.

5. Realize that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms reflects the political customs of Canada. This document states that all have four basic freedoms: "Freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; freedom of peaceful assembly; and freedom of association."

6. Visit Canada, spending time in each region. For an immersion experience, take a French course in Quebec or Montreal through Lingua Service Worldwide, Ltd. Explore a variety of rural and urban areas to get a feel for Canadian customs throughout the country.

7. Ask Canadians about their customs as you travel through Canada or as you meet them in other countries. If you already have a background in Canadian customs because you've studied them a bit, you'll be able to ask engaging questions about their customs.

Resources

• Attend a French class in Canada through Lingua Service Worldwide.