CANADA IMMIGRATION | RELOCATION | SETTLEMENT | ABOUT CANADA | IMMIGRATION FORUM | HOME
May-11-2008
Canada immigration simplified
We welcome visitors from the UNITED STATES

Canadian Culture

Many people say jokingly that a large percentage of Canadian culture rests in the efforts of Canadians to distinguish themselves from their neighbour, the United States. However, while the two countries share certain traits and a common cultural heritage, there is definitely a separately identifiable "Canadian culture." This is highlighted by factors such as a greater integration of Native American cultures than in other American states; the maintenance of traditions descended from those of the French settlers; and a discernable infusion of Celtic settlers in later stages of Canadian history.

One bone of contention in the effort to understand Canadian culture revolves around the fact that Canada is bilingual; there is little reason to question the distinct identity of the English- and French-speaking peoples of Canada.

Canadian Culture - Art:

Canada has enjoyed some prominence in international art circles over the years and has celebrated the works of artists such as:

  • Robert Bateman, 1930-, painter
  • Emily Carr, 1871-1945, painter
  • Alex Colville, 1920-, painter
  • Ken Danby, 1940-, painter
  • Charles Daudelin, 1920-2001, sculptor and painter

to name but a few.

Canadian Culture - Literature:

Over the years, Canada has also enjoyed some remarkable acheivements in literary expression. Here is a modest list of Canadian literary figures, including poets, novelists, children's writers, essayists, and scholars:

  • Milton Acorn (1923-1986) poet, has published 18 volumes of poetry
  • Margaret Atwood (born 1939) The Handmaid's Tale (1985), Alias Grace, Surfacing
  • Phillipe-Ignace Francois Aubert du Gaspe (1814-1841), author of the first French Canadian novel.
  • Leonard Cohen, (1934- ), poet and singer
  • Douglas Coupland, (born 1961), Generation X, Girlfriend in a Coma
  • Joy Fielding (1945- ), novelist
  • Robert Goldsmith (1794-1861), first English-language Canadian poet
  • Grey Owl (1888-1938), conservationist
  • James McIntyre, (1827-1906), the "Cheese Poet," known as the worst poet in Canadian history
  • Marshall McLuhan, (1911-1980), English professor and media studies author
  • Michael Ondaatje, (1943- ) wrote The English Patient (1993)
  • Michel Tremblay (born 1942)
  • Jane Urquhart (born 1949), novelist

Canadian Culture - Theatre

Canada is very active in the stage theatre scene, specifically in Southern Ontario. Theatre festivals attract a great many tourists in the summer months, especially the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Stratford Ontario, and the Shaw Festival in Niagara On The Lake, Ontario. The Famous People Players are also one of a number of touring theatrical companies that have developed a favorable international reputation.

Canadian Culture - Film

A good number of Canadian pioneers in the early Hollywood days contributed significantly to the establishment of the movie industry in the early days of the 20th century. Over the years, many Canadians have made enormous contributions to the American entertainment industry, although they are most often not recognised as Canadians. Here is a short list of a few famous Canadians in the film industry:

Canadian Culture - Stereotypes

According to Nationmaster.com, "Canadians are stereotyped by other nationalities as being nice, but rather dull-'decaffeinated Americans' being one description, while the definition of a Canadian as 'an American with healthcare and no gun' is another. One joke goes 'How do you get Canadians out of a swimming pool? You ask them.'

A Canadian politician remarked that Canada was supposed to have British government, French culture and American know-how, but instead ended up with French government, American culture and British know-how. "

For more information on Canadian culture, visit Nationmaster.com as it has more than a wealth of information on Canada and it's culture.

 

Untitled Document

 

 

ADVERTISE | SITE MAP | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY
© 1997 - 2004 Soft Landings® Newcomers Assistance Inc. All rights reserved

www.softlandings.com

Hosting by NetClientPro