When at social events in Canada, such as at restaurants or at malls, everyone is speaking at a higher volume. Here in Europe so far, we have observed that Europeans are quieter and more considerate with their voice volume. Even on buses conversation can be barely heard and if you do talk loud you are looked at very oddly. So far this seems the case for Austria and Hungary. For example in restaurants, in Canada it is common to be unable to hear well people speaking at your table especially on sports nights. In Europe it is very quiet and soft spoken, restaurants almost seem empty from outside.
Canadians also speak faster and get to the point quicker while also considering your feelings. Here in Central Europe they are very blunt and slow speakers. Europeans are not fans of small talk and don’t try to initiate or keep up small talk in conversations. In Canada it is very normal to engage in small talk and it’s considered rude if you don’t. For example, cashiers in Canada will engage in small talk with you during the checkout process because it is considered normal. Here in Europe cashiers will say “next” and then the next thing they say is your total. They font engage in small talk and even though we consider odd and rude to them it is the norm.
Do you prefer to engage in conversations with cashiers or do you prefer the simple European style of no small talk?
- Mckenna and Hind
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