Canada - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust

by Diane Lemieux, Juliana Tzvetkova

Don't just see the sights―get to know the people.

Unsuspecting outsiders often assume that Canadians are just like their American neighbors, if perhaps a little more modest. However, there is much more to it than that. Canadian society is a complex mosaic of distinct cultural identities that vary from province to province, and with high levels of immigration, it is one of the most multicultural societies in the world. The country’s unique development through devolution, rather than revolution, affects the way Canadians view the world and their place in it, and numerous events of the last decade have challenged their self-image and tested its substance.

Culture Smart! Canada takes you to the heart of this diverse nation. It unpacks the key chapters in their history, describes the values that Canadians hold dear, and the attitudes that you are likely to encounter. It introduces you to the people and describes their way of life, at home, work, and play.

Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Genres: Travel, Canada, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2008

About the author

Diane Lemieux was born in Quebec and moved to live abroad for the first time at the age of three. That journey continued through 11 countries on five continents during which she collected 4 languages, two passports and several cultural identities. She started her career in international development but decided over 15 years ago to raise her two children and pursue her passion: writing about people and cultures and change.

Reviews

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"ir will come as no surprise that Canadian jokes tend to avoid laughing at or making fun of anyone. An exception to this politeness rule is Americans, especially the perception of American ignorance of Canada and Canadians."

"Canadians are polite and thorough. It goes further that "please" and "thank you", which you should say as often as possible."

A very good quick read on Canadian values, family and business life, holidays. It is short enough to read on your trip. It's not written in a style that draws you in, but it is simple, clear, and direct form.
Well worth the read.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct and comprehensive

This is a good introduction to Canada. It is "just enough" for the casual visitor or a good starting point for someone who wishes to do more in-depth study. I found the section on government particularly interesting.

[M. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently moved to Canada so this book taught me a lot. There are a lot of information you need to know about Canada and Canadians.

[T. Strange · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m reading two other books in this series for research. This book is inaccurate enough that it’s made me doubt the information in the other books.

[Ankit Dewan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book manages to come up close and personal with Canada's diversity, geography and weather. A must read for all the immigrants and aspiring PR-ers

[Paris Tillery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives quick overview of culture. I also have one for France. These books are nice if you are traveling. They have them for many countries.

[Cherri]

i can't believe shania twain is canadian

[Tamara Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great information!

[Astrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good guide to read before you spent some time in Canada. Has chapters on values and attitudes, communicating, customs and traditions, making friends, etc. What I got out of it as the #1 thing to remember is that the Canadians don't like to be compared to or thought of as Americans, their southern neighbors. Big no, no!

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This updated edition was published post-Covid, and for that reason is an improvement over previous versions. It's interesting to read how a country as reasonable and pragmatic as Canada dealt with that particular crisis. As always, the books in this Culture Smart! series provide just enough information to serve as a handy introduction to a country, its culture and its people. One thing you'll definitely learn about Canadians in this book: They don't like being mis-identified as Americans.

[Rae]

I wanted to see what the guide said about Canada. In many respects, the information is all right, but as a Canadian, I also found certain points really funny.

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book about the culture of Canada!