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Hilarious Tales of Cultural Confusion in New Westminster

By Janet Goosney

WINS-LIP Collection of Cultural Differences from the Community

Shared by WINS members,

Enriching Experiences

Cultural differences can turn classrooms, workplaces, places of worship, and friendships into vibrant, colorful mosaics. But sometimes, these differences can be misinterpreted or misunderstood, like trying to read a book upside down. Hidden values and worldviews can be tricky to navigate. Think of differing concepts of time (is five minutes late really late?), personal space (are we hugging or high-fiving?), eye contact (staring contest or respectful glance?), or attitudes towards aging and death (celebration or solemnity?).

We can’t know all of them, but we can show understanding and respect. Here are a few cultural expectations in Canadian culture that might help newcomers avoid stepping on a few toes:

• In Interviews: It’s crucial to be on time for an interview. Arrive five minutes early and be ready to talk about yourself like you’re the next superhero.
• In the Office: The Canadian workplace is more casual than in many countries, but it still has its own hierarchy. Respectful boundaries between management and staff are as clear as a freshly cleaned window. Dress codes might be more casual, but don’t show up in your pajamas – check with your colleagues first.
• The School Setting: Teachers should remember that newcomer students might be used to very different teaching and learning styles. Encourage students to ask questions if they’re unsure. Parents should chat with teachers if misunderstandings occur – think of it as a friendly neighborhood meeting.

Take time to ask about differences. No one needs to change; just show understanding and respect. These conversations can be interesting, meaningful, and even hilarious. Now, let’s dive into some anecdotes that will have you laughing out loud!

The Coat Tug-of-War: I was born in England but grew up in Canada. Years ago, around the time of Glasnost and Perestroika in the Soviet Union, I visited the country. It was Christmas time and colder than a snowman’s nose – something like 30 below. As I disembarked from the plane and walked across the tarmac, I was bone-numbingly cold. We went inside and made our way to a restaurant. As I entered, the staff wanted to take my coat. I was so cold I couldn’t let go of it. Well, he pulled, I tugged back. He pulled again. I spoke one of the only words I knew – over and over – “niet, niet, niet.” What a scene we made! I kept the coat much to his chagrin.After a day or so, I realized that keeping your coat on was very disrespectful in that country at that time. While I thought he was being inconsiderate of my coldness, he was really trying to help me be a respectful traveler. At every gallery, museum, or other institution I visited, you took your coat off and hung it in a coat room. Always! My coat was never touched, but there were occasions when someone would be waiting for me to return to my coat so they could barter with me. I kept my coat but bartered away my jeans.

The Pump Predicament: When we first moved to Canada, my mother wanted to buy a pair of sneakers for my 13-year-old brother, Stephen, for physical education class in school. We always called sneakers ‘pumps’. My mother kept asking the shop clerk for pumps and pointed to Stephen. She knew the sizes differed in this country but not the name. The clerk kept shaking her head, “No, no, not for a boy.” But finally, as my mother insisted, she brought out a pair of black high heel shoes – pumps in Canada. My mum actually became long-time friends with that clerk; they stayed connected all their lives, and it all began with a funny misunderstanding.

The Accent Amusement: Just a little thing, but when we moved to a rural community at the far east of Canada, on my first day of school, I replied to a question my teacher asked me. She laughed and said, “Your accent is so funny, stand up and say that again so everyone can hear.” I know that’s not exactly a cultural difference, but it definitely showed a lack of understanding towards a ten-year-old.The Hot Dog Horror: A family member recently arrived with her parents and younger brother from China. They went to a local restaurant and read ‘hot dogs’ on the menu. The brother, who was much more adventurous, asked for one to the terror of his sister’s imagination. When the hot dog arrived, the little brother was terrified! He was confused and wasn’t sure what he got. They did not realize what a hot dog really was until a couple of years later at school.

Cultural differences are like the many threads in a beautiful tapestry. By embracing these differences with open hearts and minds, we create a stronger, more vibrant community. Let’s celebrate the diversity that makes New Westminster a place where everyone belongs – and where laughter is always welcome!