Very often the words are replaced with comprehensible gestures for our interlocutor to see WHAT we mean and, what is more important, HOW we mean it. Leave your gestures for visiting Italy or Russia - excessive gesticulation is not always highly appreciated by Canadians. English and French cities and provinces see appropriate personal space and body movement differently. In English areas, gestures are minimal and you will be expected just to shake hands when in French provinces people will expressively gesticulate and touch you when they want confirmation of their thoughts from you, for example. The personal space for those living in English areas is about two feet and for the representatives of French ones - much closer. Remember this simple arithmetic and you will never have problems. It is always important to observe the decencies. But do not forget about the fact that both English and French Canadians expect the firm and friendly handshake - an indicator of your positive temper. Comparing Canadians with Americans, there is a very well-known stereotype that Americans are noisy, over-the-top and expansive compared to Canadians, who are usually considered to be more restrained, cautious and deliberative. These depictions do have an element of truth in them, which can be explained by these countries' very unfamiliar histories. America originated through a noisy, clamorous revolution against Britain, whereas Canada evolved into its own nation many years later.
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