[a href="http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=399a8e4c-51eb-4ba9-8acc-77f8bf1402f5"]http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=399a8e4c-51eb-4ba9-8acc-77f8bf1402f5[/a]
When U.S. President George W. Bush visited Canada in 2004, members of his delegation were provided with a "protocol guide" to help them understand the language and customs of the foreigners.Among the advice: how to decipher what Canadians mean when they put "eh?" at the end of a sentence.[/p]"Eh," the guide helpfully explained, is pronounced "ay."[/p]
"Used mostly in rural areas," it states, the word roughly translates as "You know?" or "Isn't it?"[/p]The guide, prepared by the U.S. Office of the Chief of Protocol, also notes that "Canadians, for the most part, place importance on education, skill, modesty and politeness."[/p]In a section on "social customs and courtesies," designed to prevent members of the delegation from accidentally giving offence, the report advises that:[/p]. "On being introduced the customary greetings are: firm handshake, customary "Hello," or "Bonjour" in Quebec.[/p]. "During conversation remove sunglasses."[/p]. "While indoors remove hats."[/p]The document states that "most Canadian gestures are the same as those used in the United States" but adds there are some exceptions, including:[/p]. "To call someone to you, use the entire hand rather than the index finger."[/p]. "In Quebec, the thumbs down sign is considered offensive."[/p]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/p]God, he's such a hoser. tabernac!
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