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Cultural Misunderstanding: British Expat in Canada Learns Everyday Greeting Causes Confusion
A British woman navigating her new life in Canada has highlighted a common English greeting that can lead to puzzled reactions from Canadians. The seemingly innocuous phrase “Are you okay?” is often misinterpreted, creating unexpected social awkwardness.
Poppy, a 30-year-old originally from Nottingham, relocated to Kelowna, British Columbia, in August 2024 with her partner, Jordan, 34, and their three children. Documenting her family’s experiences on social media, Poppy has created a TikTok series detailing the cultural nuances she encountered in her new home.
The Unexpected Reaction to a Simple Question
In one video, Poppy recounts her surprise at the response she received when using the greeting “Are you okay?”. She explained, “You simply don’t ask people if they’re okay here – just don’t do it.”
British individuals frequently use this question as a casual greeting, but Poppy discovered that in Canada, this phrase elicits ‘crazy looks’. Unaware of this cultural difference prior to her move, Poppy learned this lesson firsthand when meeting a new colleague at work.
Awkward Introduction Highlights Cultural Divide
Upon being introduced to her colleague, Poppy, intending to be friendly, greeted her with: “Hi, are you okay?”.
Poppy, 30, relocated from Nottingham to Kelowna, British Columbia with her family in August 2024.
Poppy discovered that asking Canadians ‘Are you okay?’ often leads to bemusement.
However, the colleague’s reaction was far from welcoming. Poppy described how the woman’s ‘entire demeanour shifted’, appearing offended as she gave Poppy a once-over and responded with a bewildered “Yeah?”.
Following an uncomfortable silence lasting several seconds, Poppy, trying to smooth things over, then inquired, “Is everything okay?”. The colleague retorted, “Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”.
The Misinterpretation: More Than Just a Greeting
Perplexed by the frosty reception, Poppy sought clarification from a Canadian friend who explained the cultural misunderstanding. “You can’t say that to Canadians,” her friend stated, revealing that it is often perceived as an insult.
Poppy elaborated that in the UK, the question “Are you okay?” carries nuanced meanings depending on the context. For instance, if someone is acting strangely, it can be used to subtly question their unusual behaviour.
While Canadians understand this confrontational usage, they do not employ “Are you okay?” as a standard greeting, leading to potential offense when it is used in that way.
Navigating Canadian Greetings: Alternatives to “Are You Okay?”
Her friend suggested substituting greetings like “How’s it going?” or “How you doing?” as more appropriate and widely accepted alternatives in Canadian social interactions.
Culture Shock Moment
Concluding her video, Poppy summarized her experience: “That was peculiar, but yes, I would definitely say that was my initial culture shock upon moving to Canada.”