Americans and Canadians – The Differences Are Obvious
It would seem that the majority of the inhabitants of both countries speak the same English, or at least understand it, and have a similar history of the emergence of a new independent state on the site of the former colony. But most foreigners observing residents of both countries from the outside note noticeable differences in their habits and behavior.
Apparently, from an outside point of view, Canadians in many respects are more similar to residents of European countries than self-reliant and independent Americans. Let’s consider the signs by which a foreigner in America can distinguish a native of the United States from a Canadian “by eye”.
Miscellaneous English
Canadians usually pronounce English words a bit chanted, stretching out the “o” and “a” sounds, as well as the hissing consonant sounds in some words.
This difference in pronunciation comes from early childhood, and is noticeable even among residents of border towns, where immigrants from both countries live intermingled.
It’s not uncommon for Canadians to pause in conversation, interjecting “uh-uh-uh-uh” between words. This has nothing to do with poor vocabulary and is not caused by the need for careful choice of words, just the prevailing style of communication.
Slang words and expressions, which Americans like to use so much in casual communication, are practically irrelevant for Canadians.
For this reason, it will be much easier for a foreigner to understand the speech of a Canadian, whose vocabulary is more unified than the statements of a resident of the United States, whose speech may contain words from about criminal slang or unusual expressions characteristic of residents of a particular area or members of the same social group.
Parenting and Emotions
Canadians do not like to get into arguments and conflict with the interlocutor. They often use expressions that mean regret or apology, even though they have nothing to apologize for.
Most likely, the form of the apology serves as a sign that they don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. In general, Canadians behave quite restrained in public and do not openly show emotions. It is almost impossible for them to make a scene with a scandal on the street.
Americans, on the other hand, think much less about controlling their behavior, allow themselves to talk and laugh loudly, gesticulate wildly and noisily display a variety of emotions in public places.
Social distancing
Americans in general are more sociable people: they easily enter into neighborly and friendly relations, talk about their hobbies or household chores at ease, and expect mutual openness from the interlocutor.
Perhaps this sociability is due to the American way of life, associated with frequent moves and the need to quickly acquire social connections in a new place.
Canadians, who are generally much more sedentary, build trust slowly and gradually, showing much more introversion.
Involvement in politics and favorite sports
If you find it difficult to identify an American or Canadian in front of you, ask about their favorite sport.
This virtually unmistakable test will allow you to immediately distinguish Canadian hockey fans from American soccer fans, and this is not our European “herbivorous” football, which they call “soccer,” but the harsh American power clash of muscular warriors in heavy armor.
When it comes to politics, Americans are also much more emotional and engaged than calm Canadians. If a resident of the United States most likely knows the names of politicians from his state and seriously discusses the nuances of election programs, then a Canadian, on the contrary, will leave the conversation about the political situation in the country to the most extreme case, when there is definitely nothing more to discuss.
The Place of Money in Life
Most Americans spend money easily and pay bills calmly just by looking at the amount at the end.
Canadians, most often, are less willing to part with money and will carefully study any financial document before taking a wallet out of their pocket.
This approach to spending applies to any manipulation of funds, ranging from paying for large purchases, such as real estate, to paying at the checkout for a cart of groceries in a supermarket.
Appearance and habits
Visually, it is difficult to distinguish a Canadian from a resident of the United States, but there are still some slight differences. Americans still love tanned skin, which is helped in no small part by living in a hotter climate than their paler northern neighbors.
Probably for the same climatic reasons, Americans like to wear sunglasses at any time of the day. Another characteristic feature of an American is a comfortable bag on the belt. The dry and warm climate in most of the United States has all but eliminated the problem of dirty street shoes.
A shot from the series “Friends”
When they enter the house from the street, they will not even think of taking off their shoes, and they will not even understand what the point is if you ask them to do so. Frequent rain and snowfall in much of their country, on the other hand, has taught Canadians to keep their homes clean by leaving their outdoor shoes at their doorstep>