"Saying hello" and other manners
Apr 4th 2007, 3:38 pm
#16
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 9,606
Re: "Saying hello" and other manners
Never thought otherwise. It's just that I, while fully aware of those "culture shock" peculiarities, was thinking that some basic-yet-superficial automatisms (like a ping-ponging "Hello/Hello" and nothing more) were common to all Western cultures.
You should see the expression of disbelief on their faces when I'm being courteous and let someone in or out in traffic; nobody is expecting such gestures and virtually nobody waves back or makes any other sign of saying "Thank you".
You should see the expression of disbelief on their faces when I'm being courteous and let someone in or out in traffic; nobody is expecting such gestures and virtually nobody waves back or makes any other sign of saying "Thank you".
Apr 4th 2007, 3:54 pm
#18
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 1,664
Re: "Saying hello" and other manners
In fact, I went to visit a new elderly client recently and when I went into the living room a small cherub otherwise known as her grandson turned round and said "Hi Trish!" - turns out one of the kids I see in SK is his little friend. Awww!
Apr 4th 2007, 4:01 pm
#20
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: "Saying hello" and other manners
I lived in a condo in central Toronto for five years or so. 31 floors of condos, 22 or 23 per floor, say 1.5 people per condo, that's just short of 1,000 people going up and down in the elevator. By the end of our stay I knew and would chat with a half dozen of them, all of whom I'd met in the pub across the road. If there's a custom of people in Toronto speaking to strangers I've not been exposed to it.
Apr 4th 2007, 5:19 pm
#21
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Posts: 7,861
Re: "Saying hello" and other manners
Maybe they're all immigrants 
and don't speak the lingo. I mean, "Bonjour" is quite advanced, and you're just showing off ...
and don't speak the lingo. I mean, "Bonjour" is quite advanced, and you're just showing off ...
Apr 4th 2007, 5:30 pm
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Victoria,B.C
Posts: 65
Re: "Saying hello" and other manners
Maybe it is a Montreal thing? My daughter and I spent a week there and we found people to be rather cold and aloof.
Once back in Victoria we noticed and appreciated how friendly people are here. I can't go for a walk or run without people saying hello. Walk along Dallas Road (right willmore?? ) and you will getots of smiles and Hi's.
We have a great grocery store chain on the island called Thrifty's. Incredible service and lots of smiles.
I do think Victoria is a little more friendly than most places-Vancouver is about midway between Montreal and Victoria on the frienldy meter.
Once back in Victoria we noticed and appreciated how friendly people are here. I can't go for a walk or run without people saying hello. Walk along Dallas Road (right willmore??
) and you will getots of smiles and Hi's.We have a great grocery store chain on the island called Thrifty's. Incredible service and lots of smiles.
I do think Victoria is a little more friendly than most places-Vancouver is about midway between Montreal and Victoria on the frienldy meter.
Apr 4th 2007, 7:03 pm
#25
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 70
Re: "Saying hello" and other manners
I can't quite get my head around answering the phone and someone saying "Hi there! and how are you?" without a) having ever contacted you before and b) before even identifying themselves.
If I ask who is it, before saying "I'm GREAT thank you", then I usually sense a modicum of offence.
This doesn't really compute in a cynical British mind
The North American 'How are you?" question lacks any meaning, whatsoever.
LB.
If I ask who is it, before saying "I'm GREAT thank you", then I usually sense a modicum of offence.
This doesn't really compute in a cynical British mind
The North American 'How are you?" question lacks any meaning, whatsoever.
LB.
Apr 4th 2007, 7:04 pm
#26
Been there, done that
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 448
Re: "Saying hello" and other manners
The North American 'How are you?" question lacks any meaning, whatsoever.
LB.[/QUOTE]
By the way, how are you?
LB.[/QUOTE]
By the way, how are you?
Apr 4th 2007, 7:27 pm
#29
Now on Vancouver Island
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 6,935
Re: "Saying hello" and other manners
I can't quite get my head around answering the phone and someone saying "Hi there! and how are you?" without a) having ever contacted you before and b) before even identifying themselves.
If I ask who is it, before saying "I'm GREAT thank you", then I usually sense a modicum of offence.
This doesn't really compute in a cynical British mind
The North American 'How are you?" question lacks any meaning, whatsoever.
LB.
If I ask who is it, before saying "I'm GREAT thank you", then I usually sense a modicum of offence.
This doesn't really compute in a cynical British mind
The North American 'How are you?" question lacks any meaning, whatsoever.
LB.