– B2-C2 (upper-intermediate to advanced) –

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In Canadian English, this expression typically refers to:

DEFINITION

• the set of social norms related to polite behaviour in Canada

EXAMPLES

• “I hadn’t seen her in months and she didn’t even say hi to me. And to make things even worse, do you know what the first thing was that came out of her mouth? ‘Oh, you’ve gained weight.’”

  “What!? Talk about no common courtesy. That’s awful.”

• “Every time I see him, he never asks me how I am. Has he no common courtesy? I ask him how he’s doing, but he never returns the question. It’s like he doesn’t even care about anyone but himself.”

COMMON COURTESY

Being polite varies from region to region, culture to culture, and even language to language. As such, it is important to know how to be polite in the country that you are travelling to, as well as in the language that you are learning.

Here is a list of some general rules for common courtesy in Canada (please note that this is not exhaustive):

• greet everyone in a room when you enter

• shake hands with those you are meeting for the first time

• when engaging in conversation with someone, genuinely ask how they are doing

• when asked how you are doing, respond thoughtfully based on context (see blog post, “fine / okay / alright,” coming soon)

• say good bye to those whom you spoke to when you leave

• say “please” when asking for something

• say “thank you” when receiving something

• do not interrupt others while they are speaking

• say “sorry” when appropriate (see blog post, “sorry,” coming soon)

• students (of any age) must raise their hand calmly and quietly when they want to ask a question in class

• make eye contact and smile/nod/wave/say hi at strangers as you walk past them on the street (unless they are speaking on the phone/with someone, or listening to music, etc.)

• maintain eye contact when listening to someone speak

• maintain eye contact with the person/people you are speaking to

• as you walk through a doorway, hold the door open for the person who is walking behind you, even if they are a couple metres away (if you are not in a rush)

  OR

  do not walk through the door first if there is a person behind you; hold the door open for that person and allow them to walk through it before you do

• take off your shoes when entering a private home; be sure to be wearing socks (bring them in your pockets if you’re wearing sandals)

• walk on the right-hand side of sidewalks, store aisles, and while in crowds, etc.

• when driving on a road that has traffic merging onto it, drive in the left lane to allow people to merge more easily

• when driving in congested traffic next to a merge lane, allow one car to merge in front of you (this is called “zipper merging,” a common Canadian driving custom)

• do not cut people off while driving

• do not speak loudly or watch/listen to something without earbuds/headphones when in public, especially when on public transportation

• allow children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and physically disabled individuals to sit in the front of a bus or other mode of public transportation (if there are no other seats available for you, you must stand)

• do not gossip about others (see blog post, “to gossip,” coming soon)

• always tip servers at restaurants 10-15% (as you are able)

• treat others how you would like to be treated

• be considerate: how do your actions and words affect others? Behave accordingly

• think before you speak; do not say something that will hurt someone

• be truthful, yet kind

• do not comment on someone’s weight, positively or negatively (unless appropriate: you are their doctor, their significant other or trusted friend with whom such conversations have been had and the comment is requested/expected and helpful)

• do not command someone to do something; always ask

• cover your mouth when you yawn

• say “excuse me” when you burp, fart, etc.

• say “bless you” to someone who sneezes

• sneeze into your elbow if you do not have a tissue

What is common courtesy like where you live? Are there any similarities with what it means to be polite here in Canada? Any differences? Let me know in the comments below.