The page highlights the cultural differences between Ukraine and Canada regarding differences in communication.

Communication Styles: Some Differences Between Ukraine and Canada

Formal Language Conventions

🇺🇦Here are some ways that formal language conventions are used in Ukrainian workplaces: 

• Polite or formal language is used when addressing superiors. For instance, the formal pronoun "ви" (vy) is used instead of the informal "ти" (ty) to show respect. 

• Written communication is often formal and polite. Emails and official documents are carefully worded, emphasizing respect and deference. Employees may use phrases like "with all due respect" or "kindly consider" to show politeness and maintain a sense of hierarchy.

🇨🇦In contrast, in Canadian workplaces, informal language is used to communicate with employers and coworkers. You may want to address someone using a title the first time you meet them (e.g., Mrs., or Dr.), but they will likely allow you to call them by their first name. 

Non-Verbal Communication

The following non-verbal cues are slightly different in Canadian and Ukrainian workplaces: 

Direct Eye Contact

• 🇺🇦In Ukraine, direct eye contact may be considered confrontational or overly assertive, especially when conversing with higher-ranking individuals. Ukrainian employees may lower their gaze slightly or maintain respectful but not prolonged eye contact to show deference and respect.

• 🇨🇦In Canada, eye contact is considered professional, respectful, and confident. 

Formal Posture and Body Language 

• 🇺🇦Ukrainian employees maintain a formal and reserved posture when interacting with superiors. They may stand or sit upright, avoiding overly relaxed or casual positions. Slouching or leaning back might be perceived as disrespectful or unprofessional.

• 🇨🇦Canadian employees may assume more casual or informal body language and posture depending on the workplace. Observe how others in your workplace behave and try to mirror them. 

Gestures and Body Language

• 🇺🇦Ukrainian employees may use more subdued or controlled gestures when speaking to superiors, avoiding overly animated or expressive movements. This restrained use of gestures demonstrates respect and professionalism in Ukrainian workplace culture.

• 🇨🇦Canadian employees often ‘talk with their hands,’ use hand gestures, point, and convey meaning by moving their bodies. Canadians avoid rude or impolite gestures in the workplace.

Personal Space and Physical Distance

• 🇺🇦In Ukrainian workplaces, maintaining personal space and appropriate physical distance is important. Employees maintain a respectful distance and avoid standing or sitting too close to higher-ranking colleagues. Invading personal space might be seen as intrusive or disrespectful.

• 🇨🇦In Canadian workplaces, employees respect personal space and avoid getting too close to colleagues. 

Tone and Volume of Voice

• 🇺🇦The tone and volume of voice can also convey deference in Ukrainian workplaces. Employees may speak in a measured and respectful tone when addressing superiors, avoiding overly loud or assertive voices. A calm and composed voice demonstrates respect for authority and fosters a harmonious work environment. Most often, employees do not share or discuss their ideas with superiors; rather, they assume the role of ‘listener’ during conversations. 

• 🇨🇦Canadian employees can be expressive and engaged with their voice and tone. They avoid shouting or overly unprofessional ways of speaking. 

How Might Canadians Perceive Some Ukrainian Communication Styles?

In this section, the distinct communication style tendencies of Ukrainian immigrants are highlighted alongside possible positive and negative perceptions/interpretations of these styles by coworkers who are familiar with Canadian communication norms.

Politeness and Formality

Canadians often appreciate Ukrainians' polite and formal communication style, viewing it as a sign of respect. Formal greetings, proper titles, and expressions of gratitude can be perceived positively.

Formality as Coldness

Canadians, who generally have a more informal communication style, may perceive the formal and distant style of Ukrainian communication as somewhat cold or unfriendly. Canadians may prefer a more casual approach to foster a sense of warmth and familiarity, such as using first names to address one another or engaging in small talk. 

Indirectness and Diplomacy

Ukrainians' tendency towards indirect communication may contrast with Canadians’ more direct and explicit communication styles.

Lack of Openness due to Hierarchy

Since Canadians value open and egalitarian communication, the strong emphasis on hierarchy in Ukrainian workplaces may mean that Ukrainian employees appear reserved and lack enthusiasm or initiative. Ukrainian workers in Canada may need extra effort to involve themselves in dialogue and collaborative projects with others in their workspace. 

Active Listening and Thoughtfulness

Canadians often appreciate Ukrainians' ability to be active listeners, attentive, and thoughtful during conversations.