CANADA AGAINST SWITZERLAND
To beckon a waiter in Quebec, quietly to say "Monsieur" or "S'il vous plait. Say "Mademoiselle" to beckon a waitress. Never beckon a waiter or waitress by snapping your fingers or shouting.
The host normally offers first toast. Wait until everyone is served wine and a toast is proposed before drinking. It is acceptable for women to propose a toast.
Wine is normally served with meals in Quebec.
The vast majority of Canadians claim European ancestry. Four in nine Canadians claim some British ancestry and a little less than one in three have some French ancestry. Eighty percent of the residents in Quebec have French ancestry. Eighty percent of native French speakers live in Quebec (the others are mostly in New Brunswick, and parts of Ontario and Manitoba). Other European groups include Italians, Germans and Ukrainians (especially in the prairie states).
Broadly speaking, Canada has been divided into two distinct societies, one French-speaking (see "Quebec" below) and one English-speaking. Because they don't form as cohesive a group as French-speaking Canadians, only very general observations can be made about English-speaking Canadians; they are generally thought of (and consider themselves) more reserved, less aggressive and less excitable than their neighbors to the south.
Most Canadians identify themselves very strongly with their province. Canadians continue to wrestle with the question, "What does it mean to be Canadian?" and take pains to differentiate themselves from citizens of the United States.
Atlantic Canada (includes the Maritimes -- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island -- and Newfoundland): Primarily of British descent, the residents of the less prosperous Atlantic provinces of eastern Canada are generally more reserved, stolid, provincial and old-fashioned. Newfoundland is unique, with a dialect and culture that draws comparisons with the Irish and the people of western England.
Ontario: Residents of Canada's most populous province -- the country's economic, political and cultural colossus -- are generally thought of as more business-like and conservative than other Canadians.
Western Canada (includes Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba): Residents of Canada's western provinces are generally more open, relaxed, friendly and direct than other Canadians (comparisons are often made with inhabitants of the western United States).
British Columbia: Canada's unconventional westernmost province is seen by Canadians as the land of the future, and has more in common with Seattle than Toronto. Like many other western Canadians, many residents of British Columbia feel somewhat estranged from "easterners" (a general code word for those from Ontario and Quebec).
Quebec (and other areas of Francophone Canada): French Canadians, and especially the Québécois (or citizens of Quebec, pronounced "keh-beck-wah") have a very strong sense of cultural identity and are very nationalistic. The European influence is strongly felt in Quebec, whose people consider themselves the "defenders of French civilization in North America." Because of their animated good nature, Québécois are sometimes called the "Latins of the North."
The North: Residents of the sparsely populated north are seen as rugged embodiments of the Canadian pioneer spirit.
In general, Canadians are more reserved and polite than Americans, and take matters of etiquette a little more seriously.
Shake hands and introduce yourself when meeting Canadians for the first time. Always shake hands firmly when meeting or departing. Eye contact is important.
When a woman enters or leaves a room, it is polite for men to rise. Men normally offer their hands to women.
In Quebec, kissing on the cheeks in the French manner is quite common. When close friends and family meet in Quebec, they use first names and kiss both cheeks.
Punctuality is demanded for business meetings and social occasions. If a conflict arises, you are expected to let your Canadian counterpart know immediately. That said, Canadians are not as obsessed with time as Americans.
Business cards are commonly exchanged in Canada.
For Quebec, print your business cards in English or French, including your academic degree(s) and/or title. A double-sided business card (one side in English, one side in French) is best.
To beckon a waiter in Quebec, quietly to say "Monsieur" or "S'il vous plait. Say "Mademoiselle" to beckon a waitress. Never beckon a waiter or waitress by snapping your fingers or shouting.
The host normally offers first toast. Wait until everyone is served wine and a toast is proposed before drinking. It is acceptable for women to propose a toast.
Wine is normally served with meals in Quebec.
The Swiss value cleanliness, honesty, hard work, and material possessions. Motto: "Unity, yes; Uniformity, no." They are very proud of their environment and have a long tradition of freedom. They value sobriety, thrift, tolerance, punctuality and a sense of responsibility. They are very proud of their neutrality and promotion of worldwide peace. The Swiss have a deep-rooted respect for saving and the material wealth it brings.
Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women, and children -- at business or social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving.
Handshakes are firm with eye contact.
Poor posture is frowned upon. Do not stretch or slouch in public.
Do not point your index finger to your head. This is an insult.
Body language varies from region to region in Switzerland.
The Swiss take punctuality for business and social meetings very seriously and expect that you will do likewise. Call with an explanation if you will be delayed.
Business cards in English are acceptable. Hand your business card to the receptionist upon arrival for a meeting. Give a card to each person you meet subsequently.
In the German parts of Switzerland, beckon a waiter by saying Herr Ober, and a waitress by saying Fräulein. It is considered rude to wave your hand.
Business luncheons are more common than business breakfasts.
Business entertainment is almost always done in a restaurant.
On my opinion, there is a lot of difference between Canada and Switzerland, but the uniqueness of both countries make me so impress. Canada as my home country make me so proud that being the most polite in the whole world. Switzerland is known for it’s own products that makes the country famous.
REFERENCES: http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ca.htm
http://www.ediplomat.com/
