Review Of The Cultural Competence And Identity In Canada

“Culture could be defined like the set of traditions, beliefs, customs, history, folklore, and institutions of a group of people. Culture is shared by people of the same ethnicity, language, nationality, or religion. It's a system of rules that are the base of what we are and affect how we express ourselves as part of a group and as individuals” (Building Culturally Competent Organizations, n.d.).

Societies are defined by its members and their culture. In the past societies were less diverse and cultural exchanges were not as frequent as they are now. The past few decades have seem technological advances that have help to connect the world, one global society is nowadays not something to be dreamt of but a reality.

Globalization has had a big impact over a society that has been forced to gradually adapt, in order to follow the pace of new and more diverse generations. Multiculturalism is directly linked to the settlement of migrants, and the acceptance of a global society that no longer distinguishes its people based not on their differences but their shared characteristics.

The rapid changes that globalization, brought made the use of cultural competences necessary in order to develop an environment where ideas, and different points of view, are taken into account respecting the cultural differences of each member. Means cultural identity is not another thing than the set of values, traditions, beliefs and way of behaving within a group, allowing the individual to develop a sense of belonging to a certain social group, by identifying with different cultural contents.

That is why; the main objective of this essay is to analyze deeply the social and cultural factors that determine the identity of a country. For this purpose an Anglo-Saxon country, Canada, has been selected in order to carry out a detailed analysis of its main characteristics and reflect on them.

Geography

Canada the second biggest country in the World after Russia, located at the north extreme of North America. It is a country surrounded in its great majority by oceans. Limiting to the north with the Arctic Ocean, to the west with the Pacific Ocean, to the east with the Atlantic Ocean and the state of Alaska and to the South with the United States.

Thanks to its enormous extension, this country has a variety of geographical accidents. Therefore, the flora, fauna and relief of Canada have given rise to a wide variety of climates throughout the country. Due to its geographical location within the globe, Canada's climate varies according to region. The winters can be very hard reaching temperatures of - 40º.

A bit of Canadian history

Canada has a very interesting history, having been populated by several indigenous groups who residing in its lands before these have been colonized. Originating from the Iroquois root (a group of indigenous language) its name means settlement. Referring to a native settlement, current city of Quebec, where the explorer Jacques Cartier used the term for the first time to refer to this extensive area.

At first, the aborigines inhabited Canada for millennia living in perfect harmony with other tribes. However, with the arrival of the first Europeans, the Vikings, diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza appeared, decimating the native population. Despite Vikings efforts, these early settlements failed.

Hundreds of years later, British and French expeditions were resumed, who after arriving in Canada, decided to settle in this new territory forming colonies. The colonies of Quebec and Acadia called New France, formed by the French colonists, soon began to have problems with the British colonies.

The continuous confrontations, result of the tensions between British and French due mainly to the expansionist pretensions of the colonies of both countries, triggered in a war well known as The Franco-Indian War. Added to this, the conflicts between natives, who were forced to ask for protection from another colonial empire.

However, the British colonies outnumbered the French colonies. In 1756, after a long war that lasted 7 years. The French decided to give the major part of its territories to the English crown with the exception of the province of Quebec, part of New France before, and the island Saint-Pierre et Miquelon located in the Atlantic Ocean, which it is still French territory. That is the reason why Canada has both English and French as official languages. In addition to the native languages like the Inuit, which is used by the Eskimo indigenous people to communicate.

Canadian Folklore

By being a multicultural country, Canada does not have a typical costume. However, its folklore has very strong currents such as European, French and indigenous, making of this a country wealthy culturally speaking. Some folk dances like the quadrille and the couple's round come from Europe. On the other hand, some ritual dances, as well as myths and legends have remained of their Indians roots, through which they seek to preserve their cultural identity with the help of the oral tradition, being transmitted from generation to generation.

Canadian mythology is characterized by being full of mystical creatures directly related to winter, thanks to its type of climate, its proximity to the North Pole, and its close relationship with American mythology. As well as, by the influence of the cultural exchange between the North American aboriginal tribes.

For instance, the Ogopogo that is a monster of the lake; the wendingo, which is a cannibal creature related to famine and winter; the Sasquatch or Bigfoot, an animal similar to an ape that inhabits the forests of North America; the forbidden plateau, Young Teazer, among others.

Canadian Festivities

The more outstanding Canadian festivities are the Winter Carnival, in which ice sculptures are made and parades are made; the Winterlude, a festival that celebrates winter; and the Montreal Jazz Festival, considered the most important in the world that brings together the greatest exponents of this musical genre.

Some Canadian customs

When referring to the customs of this country, there are some issues within this culture that are considered of great value to Canadians. For instance, punctuality, which means that arriving two or three minutes late, can be considered a lack of respect for the time of others and an apology and explanation, must be offered. While earliness with more than 15 minutes is, seem negatively, too. Causing an awkward surprise for the host.

On the other hand, a stereotype strongly rooted in Canadians is Canadian polite, which will sound old-fashion, but it could be based on reality. Where social labels and compliance with them allow you to fit easily into their society. In addition, many Canadians belonging to different social spheres take it very seriously to offer apologies very often or just ask about things indirectly. Many of them are known to have a strong sense of humility and not be boastful.

Canadian cuisine

Canadian cuisine has come to be described as a collage of different cuisines being widely influenced by French, English and traditional dishes of the native tribes, as well as the native products of the country. Being surrounded by three oceans is not surprising that it has a variety of fish and seafood ingredients in their dishes, as are the different meats. Among the typical dishes, we can mention Tourtière, Fiddleheads, Pea meal Bacon, Calgary Beef Hash, etc.

Religion

To talk about religion, it is not necessary more than a few words, because of Canada does not have an official religion. In any case, approximately 46% of the population is Roman Catholic and the most significant. To a lesser extent, are Protestants, other types of Christians and Muslims. In the last census conducted, 16% of the population admitted not having any religion.

Canadian Music

From the beginning of colonization in the seventeenth century, the first settlers implanted their songs, dances and religious songs. Thanks to the old world traditions brought by the immigrants who settled in Canada, these were strengthened. Becoming this another factor in order to demonstrate its cultural diversity through its music, having roots Irish, British, French and indigenous manage to make it unique and unrepeatable. In addition, the great influence received from its neighbor USA, due to its geographical proximity and constant migration between both countries.

Canada has positioned its music industry as the sixth largest in the world. Having among the most prominent artists Drake, Alessia Cara, Avril Lavigne, Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Nelly Furtado, Carly Rae Jepsen, Shawn Mendes, among many other celebrities in this industry.

Canadian Literature

In the field of literature, the cultural diversity of the country has had a great influence on its writers, trying to preserve their identity. By focusing primarily on their ethnic minority groups, valuing their cultural differences. It is during the Victorian era (1837 - 1901) that a few Canadian poets appear who were easily overshadowed by the American and British writers. Later, at the end of World War II, a distinctive Canadian tradition of novel writing appeared called by them CanLit. Currently, Canadian Literature has become more diverse, becoming famous abroad.

The most outstanding authors in this field are Margaret Atwood, Canadian author nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature and author of The Cat's Eye, a book which focuses on the socio-cultural elements of feminism and modern art; Saul Bellow Nobel Prize for Literature in 1976 author of The Adventures of Augie March, a book of living and humorous portrait of the Jewish community; Maud Montgomery, famous for her book Anne of Green Gables, a story about how a girl is adopted mistakenly sent to a brother and sister who are looking to adopt a boy and, among other gifted writers.

Film Industry

The film industry in Canada, is very important to produce about 1600 films since 1961. Canadian cinema is strongly intertwined with American cinema, is hence his co-productions in famous films such as Saw, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Some of the most recognized exponents in this industry are Ryan Reynolds, Keanu Reeves, Ryan Gosling, Ellen Pague, among others very prominent actors recognized for their long histrionic career.

Official Symbols

The Bieber is considered a part of Canadian identity long before Parliament passed the National Symbol of Canada Act, giving it a Royal status, as a symbol of sovereignty. During the period of Henry IV, the skin of these animals became so coveted making an industry of it, bringing the species to the brink of extinction.

Their Coat of Arms, were originally adopted by proclamation of King George V in 1921. In 1994, a circular, red ribbon was added to the arms – displaying a motto: Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam. “They desire a better country”, which is taken from the New Testament.

The Maple Leaf: Recognized in 1996 as a national emblem, it corresponds to 13 of the native arboreal species in North America. Ten of these species grow in Canada. These trees played a fundamental role in the development of the country, and continue to be important for their commercial development.

The design of the Canadian flag dates back to February 15, 1965, when it replaced the English flag ruling at that time due to British colonization. The current flag is composed for three vertical stripes two red in the corners and a white in the center, and additional detail is the red maple leaf adorning the center of the national symbol. The white color of the flag represents the real French emblem, while the red color represents the cross of St. George, the emblem used on the first flag.

Discrimination and protection

Canada count with a set of laws that protect people from suffering any kind of discrimination due to their beliefs, race, gender, or sexual orientation. Even they have a sweeping piece of legislation The Canadian Humans Rights that ban employers, landlords, schools, and stores from discriminating against customers.

Canada is well-known for being an inclusive country and leader in human rights that respects different cultures, showing a great interest towards them. Which is reflected even in its immigration policy, supported by his Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Canada is a country where the fight for human rights is not stopped because of the diverse origins of the country's inhabitants, of Native American, French and English roots, among others.

How do Canadians see themselves

When talking about Canada and its people, it is impossible not to refer to its great diversity turning it into a true cultural mosaic. Having been inhabited in the beginning by different native tribes and then with the arrival of the French and British expeditions, and their subsequent settlement in these lands, they have made this country a multicultural country, rich in customs and traditions, an essential part of their identity. It means that “Identity can be acquired indirectly from different individuals around us and it is never final for it to develop through our entire life” (Heshmat, 2014).

Despite the cultural melting pot of the current population, Canadians were influenced by the French and British settlers who settled in their territories. Recognizing English and French as official languages of the country. In addition, to also recognize the Inuktitut as the native language of the Eskimos.

Even though 58% of the Canadian inhabitants have English like their mother tongue, and just 22% of the population has French like their native language. It means that a big majority of Canadians are monolingual, and just a few 18% of the population is bilingual, like the case of Nuevo Brunswick which is considered a bilingual province within the Canadian territory.

It is said that many of today's Canadian citizens are descended from immigrants, that’s why there are almost 200 different foreign languages; product of migration in recent years, due to its current immigration policy is one of the most open in the world. Just 20% of citizens belong to what can be considered visible minorities. Languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian, etc., are mentioned in the last census conducted in 2011. Hence, it is currently a bilingual country in which all public services are offered in both English and French. One example of bilingualism within the country can be easily seen in the constitutional acts, which are found in both languages, as well as in its anthem, that has an English and French version, and in the traffic symbols, which use both language.

As a curious fact, it can be mentioned that a large part of French-speaking Canadians lives mainly in the province of Quebec, and in other places such as Montreal, Ontario, Toronto, etc. However, even though French is spoken in Canada, this present certain differences with the European French. In Quebec for instance the Language has been baptized like Québécois. This one has not evolved since 1608, maintaining a kind of historical French, already in disuse.

Cultural differences in Canada are not only limited to speaking a different language but extend to other aspects of life. A great example of this is the independence movements which have been strongly support by Canadian-French. Those who for years have been sought independence from Quebec, as they stated that they were not taken into account in important decisions. In recent times, it is the eastern regions that show the greatest separatist aspirations. Before the arrival of the Europeans, the native towns counted on a rich and diverse cultural identity, call indigenous Literature that picks up the oral tradition, language and cultural practices of the different aboriginal communities.

Strongly influenced by international immigration with the arrival of the first settlers. Canadian literature began to emerge in the late twentieth century, although certain poets appeared between 1837 - 1901, these were soon overshadowed by other renowned from Britain and the US. It is at the end of the Second World War that the CanLit School emerged, distinguishing itself by the writing of its novels, which were inspired by the difficulties that were going on, the economic uncertainty, among others.

Since 1980, it can be seen how ethnic and cultural diversity is reflected openly in the literary field, focusing particularly on minority groups and cultural differences. Canadian music is another test of the cultural diversity that has shaped the country and was used at first to express stories of oral tradition, which have been handed down from generation to generation by native aboriginal tribes, becoming an important part of their cultural identity.

During the colonization period, with the arrival of the first settlers, the songs, dances and religious songs had a great influence on the nascent Canadian society. Which would see reinforced traditions brought from the old world due to the successive waves of immigrants that would arrive later. Thanks to the different international influences, Canadian music has managed to evolve to be what it is today. Achieved to position in this industry to recognized artists worldwide.

On the other hand, when speaking of the cultural wealth of a country, not only refers to the letters and art but also to its gastronomy. Canadian cuisine can be described as diverse and varied. A true collage of flavors where the different ingredients such as red meats, the great variety of seafood obtained from the oceans that surround it, as well as the indigenous products of their crops, have allowed the creation of internationally praiseworthy recipes.

With abundant harvests and rich in natural resources, the Canadian dishes vary according to the region, influenced to a great extent by their British, French and indigenous roots and the continuous migratory wave has generated the creation of new and varied recipes product of the diversity of immigrants present in the country. National symbols are the representation and pride of a country that through a hymn manages to express their deepest feelings of love for their homeland. These feelings also manifest themselves as a reminder of what it means to be Canadian and help express national identity.

Merrian Webster dictionary defines patriotism as love for or devotion to one's country. While the cambridge dictionary holds that patriotism is the feeling of loving your country more than any other and being proud of it. Patriotism is nothing else than the fundamental basis in the life of a group or nation, inculcating it through different cultural, social, and political mechanisms, through which the love for the country is expressed.

The national flag of Canada with two stripes of red and one white, the official colors of Canada designated by King George V in 1921, and in the center a stylized red maple leaf, endemic tree of this country. Its rectangles represent the countries Scotland, England, Ireland and France, nations that mixed with their native population. The red maple leaves symbolize the native Canadians. Surrounding the coat of arms is the insignia of the Royal Order of Canada. The real badge says: Desidereantes Meiorem Patriam which means 'wanting a better homeland'.

As guardians on both sides, there is a lion crowned with gold carrying the standard of the United Kingdom, and a unicorn crowned in silver, bearing the royal French standard. Finally, in the lower part, the tape with the slogan of Canada in Latin: 'A Mari usque ad Mare' ('From sea to sea'), which means: 'And will dominate from sea to sea and from the river to the confines from the earth. 'inspired by the scriptures Psalm 72: 8

The Canadian anthem due to the bilingualism of the country, has two official versions. The original letter of the Canadian anthem was composed in French in the form of a poem by Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The music was commissioned to Calixa Lavallée, famous composer.

The English version is based on the lyrics written by Robert Stanley Weir, in 1908; although throughout history there were several versions of the letter in English. The official version in English also includes changes recommended in 1968 by a Special Commission.

Their Identity

Even when Canada is a nation with a high social label about what is considered good manners, describing its inhabitants as friendly people, with a great sense of honesty, humility, respect for privacy and individualism. Canada is considered an egalitarian country, where respect for the rights of each person is fostered, without taking into account their gender, beliefs, sexual preferences, etc. The cultural identity of Canadians can be reflected even in the way children talk to each other and are allowed to speak openly and independently. Reaching out to either an adult, or teacher in the same way as they would go to a classmate.

One of the most defining elements of their culture has been the social policy, which, through its laws and regulations, governs the way in which Canadians live their lives. One of the biggest prides for this country, is the Public Health system, which covers surgical interventions, medications, dental and vision services according to the province in which it is located, eliminating the system of private health.

In addition, the Canadian government has begun to create pension programs, in order to ensure that its citizens have a decent income, once their retirement come. Other insurances such as unemployment insurance has also been designed with the aim of helping the citizen who has been fired. However, there are certain social taboos, which have been associated with prolonged use of it. It is from this, that nowadays these programs have stricter norms, demanding that the beneficiaries participate in the active search of work.

Stereotypes

Stereotypes are a set of characteristics that define a group of people mostly because of their race, nationality, sexual orientation and even religious choices. These features are oversimplifications of the groups of people that are part of it. (Kareem, 2019) Based on this definition, a stereotype can be defined as the set of beliefs, characteristics or opinions held about an individual, which is related to a certain social group with which it shares certain qualities or attributes, which can be positive or negative.

“Stereotyping means condemning beforehand what is being observed, analyzed or characterized” Blum (2004)

An important part of the Canadian identity is strongly rooted towards certain stereotypes with which they have been linked. In other words, the way foreigners see them. Since kids, Canadians are taught to be friendly, polite, and respectful and this is reflected in their daily treatment with friends and strangers.

Simple things like greetings, whether by shaking hands, hugging or kissing are examples where, through everyday situations, you can appreciate the culture of this country. The type of greeting that is offered may vary depending on the degree of affinity that one has with the other person. It is normal to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, offering hugs to the most intimate friends and the kiss reserved especially for family and lovers. Some French Canadians can participate in the European practice of offering light kisses when greeting someone, as part of their custom.

Among the stereotypes closely linked to Canadian culture, we find the attitude towards time, that is, punctuality. Which is expected by Canadians to be met with precision. The tardiness, as well as arriving 15 minutes later is a sign of rudeness to the other person, and will require an apology or explanation. However, arriving too early also has a negative connotation, since it can generate an annoying surprise for the host who can not be ready to receive the visit.

Another stereotype, is the Canadian politeness, which can be quickly seen by interacting with them. Many Canadians, especially those who belong to the upper middle class, take very seriously to offer apologizes for any mistakes made. As well as the stereotype of having a humble attitude and not boasting or praising theirselves. It is important to mention that even when a country is subject to certain stereotypes, which are nothing more than predesigned images by society, it does not mean that they are real or that all individuals belonging to this group follow with it.

Anti-Americanism

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Anti-Americanism is defined like be opposed or hostile to the people or the government policies of the U.S. It means that is a feeling of hostility towards the United States, either due to their attitudes or actions.

Despite having similar taste in entertainment, speaking the same language, celebrating many of the same festivities, having a closely linked history, and geographically closeness, Canadians strive to prove themselves not to be the same as Americans or just leave in clear why Canadians are superior to Americans.

In a period where the similarities in lifestyles, behavior and culture between Canadian and American culture are much more noticeable than differences. Canadians seek to emphasize the ways in which their country is different and even better than the United States. Many Canadians say they interpret history as a long struggle against invasion and American domination.

How Canadians are seem by foreigner

All this panorama gives place to a very diverse country, in which the thousands of kilometers that separate some zones of others contribute to make more patent this unique diversity of Canada.