GE2 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION

Understanding Similarities and

Differences of Cultures in Kenya
and Canada
 Introduction:

Research is an instrument that directs us across unexplored knowledge

territory, and in this portfolio, we compare and contrast two unique countries,

Canada and Kenya. We want to gain useful insights into the enormous influence of

geographical location and cultural variety on a country's growth and global relevance

by evaluating the economic, social, and environmental elements of these nations.

This study not only gives a window through which to appreciate Canada's and

Kenya's distinct traits, but it also provides a larger perspective on the complex

relationships between nations in our corresponding world.

I. Background

The second-tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya, is what inspired the

naming of Kenya. Due to its snow-capped top, the Kikuyu people who once resided

close to Mount Kenya called it Kirinyaga or Kerenyaga, which means mountain of

whiteness. The primary feature, Mount Kirinyaga, came to symbolize the region that

the British rulers claimed for their colony. The British were unable to pronounce

Kirinyaga correctly, which led to the emergence of the name Kenya. Indigenous

African populations that immigrated to Kenya from different regions of the continent

were the first individuals to do so.

The country of Canada is frequently described as having (a) two founding

peoples, the French and the English, with different languages and histories and a

partially shared culture; (b) Aboriginal peoples with a variety of languages, histories,

and cultures, the majority of which have been marginalized; and (c) a long history of

immigrants from a wide variety of nations, languages, and cultures. Canada has not
had the benefit of being able to construct a common destiny based on shared

cultural and historical events because of its past (Courchene, 1996).

II. Graphic Organizer

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST MATRIX

DESCRIPTION KENYA CANADA

Canadians greet others

For Kenyans, typical
with handshakes (Santiago,
greetings start with a “hello”
2022) upon the arrival and
and then, the most common
departure while maintaining
greeting, shaking hands;
eye contact (Canada -
hugging is said to be
Language, Culture,
inappropriate sometimes
Customs and Etiquette,
(Village Volunteers, n.d.), and
n.d.) while the French
also asking about their family,
Canadians greet by giving a
work, home, and well-being
GENERAL GREETINGS kiss lightly on the left and
(Kenyan Culture - Greetings,
AND INTERACTIONS right cheek, respectively
2018). When saying hello,
(Canadian Culture -
Swahili’s say ‘Hujambo’ or
Greetings, 2016); hugs are
‘Jambo’ and responding they
also appropriate to those
are well is ‘sijambo’ (Kenyan
who are close (Santiago,
Culture - Greetings, 2018). In
2022). When someone
addition, men greet those
extends their hands to you
men whom they are close
with by shaking hands and a and you don’t shake hands

hug, while women greet by with them, it is said to be

also shaking hands and with disrespectful and rude or

those whom they are close that someone has done you

with or with family will involve wrong (Manners and

a hug and a kiss lightly on Etiquette | the Canada

each cheek. Most Guide, 2022). When

importantly, shaking hands interacting, French

must be done using the right Canadians speak with more

hand or if not, it is considered gestures (Santiago, 2022)

inappropriate (Kenya: and Canadians are also

Communication Styles, open to first-name basis in

2018). Village Volunteers initial introductions

(n.d.) mentioned that when (Canadian Culture -

meeting or greeting an elder, Greetings, 2016); wait for

it is considered inappropriate the person to finish before

to touch and the proper way responding.

of greeting them is to support In formal interactions, what

the right The handshakes is used is their last name or

when meeting for the first their appropriate titles

time is short while for those (Canada - Language,

who already know each other Culture, Customs and

is longer (Commisceo Global Etiquette, n.d.) because

Consulting Ltd., 2020). When Canadians respect

men and women meet, the hierarchy (Manners and

men should wait for the latter. Etiquette | the Canada

In addition, by Village Guide, 2022). Canadians

Volunteers (n.d.), when also respect personal

greeting older Kenyans, space by not touching the

addressing them as “Mama” person that they are talking

and “Baba”, or may it be to and the proximity of at-

followed by the name of their least an arm’s length

eldest child or any name of (Santiago, 2022). On the

their children. When other hand, said in the

interacting in the Kenyan same source, French

culture, pointing someone Canadians also may touch

with the index finger is each other lightly when they

inappropriate; the proper and are talking as they have

polite way of pointing is using smaller personal bubbles.

all fingers of the hand (Village When interacting, they also

Volunteers, n.d.). It is also prefer being

mentioned in the same article straightforward, honest, and

that to pass something, one to cite examples when

must use the right or both talking (Canada -

hands, because using the left Language, Culture,

hand is considered rude. Customs and Etiquette,

When Muslims interact, do n.d.).

not or may not shake hands

with the opposite sex (Kenya:

Communication Styles,
 2018).

It is crucial to recognize that It's uncommon for people to

Kenya is a Muslim country eat with their hands. Follow

and that all of these customs your host's lead if the dish

must be respected. Men, is easier to consume in that

women, and children all eat manner. Table manners in

and sit at different tables Canada are typically

according to Muslim table continental, meaning that

manners. That also implies when dining, the fork is held

DINING ETIQUETTES that men are served at the in the left hand and the

table first, followed by knife in the right.

women, and finally kids. Speaking with your mouth

Additionally, it's crucial to full and resting your elbows

adhere to all regional table on the table are frowned

manners. upon in Canada as being

Most Kenyans solely use quite impolite. Making a lot

their right hand when eating of noise while eating is also

with their hands. Hold a impolite; slurping and loud

 spoon or fork in your right chewing are considered

hand if one is provided to bad manners in Canada.

you. Never use your left hand

to touch bowls or serving

utensils. Since Kenyans

consider it rude to eat and

drink at the same time,

beverages are not served

with meals (Amaechi, 2022).

The national educational Preschool or kindergarten,

system is divided into three elementary and secondary

levels: four years of education (often known as

secondary education, four K–12), and post-secondary

years of higher education, education make up the

and eight years of primary three phases of the

education that is required Canadian educational

SCHOOL AND WORK starting at age six. system. There are several

ETHICS Government schools, distinctive characteristics

including primary and for each of these stages,

secondary, are free. Passing despite minor variations

a national exam to earn the throughout the provinces.

Kenyan Certificate of Primary Canadians are recognized

Education is a requirement for being among the most

for admission to secondary courteous, tactful, and

school. peace-loving individuals.

 Seem complaints about Additionally, they

Kenyan employees and communicate informally

everyone seems to agree and and dress casually in the

overlooks the root cause. In workplace.

the same breath Kenyan

employees are some of the

most valuable employees

abroad. Their work ethic and

trust is unmatched.

In Kenya, it's customary for In Canada, it is customary

individuals to marry in their to get the parents' approval

COURTSHIP AND
mid to late twenties, often before making a proposal to
WEDDINGS
after completing their someone. This is done out

education or achieving of respect and is frequently

financial stability. People accompanied by a gift

typically choose their exchange. Most Canadians

marriage partners and often often exchange vows in a

marry within their ethnic spectacular public

group. However, Kenyans ceremony. Brides in

tend to avoid marrying within Canada typically choose a

their clan, as members of the white, off-white, or cream

same clan are considered gown with a veil. A white

relatives. In certain cases, shirt and black tie are

particularly among Muslim common wedding attire for

families, marriages are the groom.

arranged by families.

Although polygamy was once

widespread, it's becoming

less common today due to

the financial challenges of

supporting multiple wives and

children.

The dowry system, where the

groom's family makes a

payment to the bride's family,

remains prevalent in Kenya.

The bride is supposed to

dress in a vibrant kanga or

kitenge garment, a head

wrap, and jewelry for a

traditional Kenyan wedding.

While the groom is

traditionally attired in kanzu

or suits and topped off with a

kofia cap.
 The majority religion in Kenya Religion in Canada involves

is Christianity, which is a diverse set of ideas and

practiced by an estimated practices. The Canadian

85.5% of the population. constitution mentions God,

Islam is the second most and the queen is known as

popular religion in Kenya, the Defender of the Faith;

with 10.9 percent of Kenyans yet, Canada has no official

practicing it. Bahá, Buddhism, religion, and the

Hinduism, and traditional government is officially

SPIRITUALITY AND religions are also practiced in devoted to religious

RELIGION Kenya. Religion is very pluralism. In Canada,

important in the lives of the freedom of religion is a

people in Kenya. The country constitutionally protected

is religiously varied, with right that allows individuals

Christianity, Islam, and to meet and worship

indigenous African beliefs without restriction or

being the most widely intervention. Christianity,

practiced. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism,

Spirituality is a very personal Sikhism, Judaism, and

and diverse component of diverse Indigenous spiritual

people’s lives in Kenya, as it traditions are the primary

is in many other countries. It faiths in Canada. It is worth

is a collection of beliefs, noting that Canada is

behaviors, and traditions famed for its religious

shaped by culture, religion, tolerance and openness,

and personal experiences. It supporting a multicultural

is crucial to remember that society in which people of

spirituality in Kenya is many faiths may coexist

diverse, and individuals may peacefully.

combine components from Spirituality in Canada is

several belief systems to form diverse and personal,

their own spiritual path. reflecting the country’s

Furthermore, Kenya’s rich multiculturalism. Many

cultural tapestry contributes Canadians experience

to the country’s complex spirituality in many ways,

spirituality. Indigenous such as organized religion,

Spiritual Practices: Many meditation, mindfulness,

Kenyan communities, nature, and indigenous

particularly those in rural spiritual practices.

areas, continue indigenous Indigenous spirituality is

spiritual practices firmly important, with Indigenous

based in their cultural past. peoples all over Canada

These rituals are frequently following traditional beliefs

associated with a deep and rites that are firmly

connection to nature, rooted in the land and

veneration for ancestors, and nature. These spiritual

rites relating to farming, activities frequently

hunting, and other parts of incorporate a deep concern

daily life. for the environment and the

value of community.
Furthermore, because of

Canada’s religious and

cultural variety, people from

all walks of life contribute to

the country’s spiritual fabric.

Because of the country’s

commitment to

multiculturalism and

religious freedom, people

can discover and express

their spirituality in their own

unique ways.
 III. RELATE THIS KNOWLEDGE TO THE LOCAL CONTEXT (DISCUSSION)

The data shown above, in the matrix, shows the respective information about

each country in different aspects. To compare and contrast the data shown in the

greetings and interaction aspect, it is common that both cultures use handshakes

and a light kiss on the cheeks as forms of greeting. However, they still differ in

shaking hands due to the fact that in Kenya, it is specifically stated that one must use

the right hand because using the left hand depicts being inappropriate. In Kenya,

specifically with elders, it is proper to shake their hand by supporting your right

forearm with your left hand. They also differ in calling the other person that they are

conversing with; in Kenya, they call the other person, if older, “Mama” or “Baba” or

followed by the names of their eldest or other names of their children, while in

Canada, they use first-name basis in the first meeting and use the last name or their

titles in formal settings. Both countries actually value respect in this aspect. Today,

these values and deeds are still practiced and taught to the young generation.

Moving on to the aspect of dining ethics, both countries have a very different

approach when it comes to eating. Kenyans eat and hold utensils with only their right

hand, while Canadians use both hands. Kenyans respect and value formality in their

culture. On the other hand, Canadians practice their dining ethics informally. Though

both have differences, both still value the food on their tables and eat with manners.

In the education aspect, both educational systems in the two countries have three

levels. In Kenya, the levels are primary education, secondary education, and higher

education. In Canada, the levels are preschool, elementary and secondary

education, and post-secondary education. Though both countries have different

names and curricula at each level, both exhibits almost the same features at each
level. Both finish the last level as “college graduates”. Work ethics-wise, both

countries make valuable employees; they are trustworthy, polite, and focused on

their work. However, Canadians seem to be informal when it comes to

communicating at work.

At weddings, Kenyan brides wear traditional attire; a dress with a head wrap

and jewelry. Kenyan grooms wear suits accompanied by ties or bowties and a kofia

hat. Wedding guests are also advised to wear traditional attire. While Canadian

brides wear something white, off-white, or cream, and grooms wear black suits,

white shirts, and ties. They may also accessorize their outfits if they choose. In

Canadian culture, proposals happen after asking the family for their blessing. Before

the wedding, it is also common to have bachelor and bachelorette parties. They have

traditional activities in the wedding ceremony, namely: first dance as husband and

wife, the bouquet toss, and the cake cutting. Both countries have very different ways

of courting and celebrating their weddings.

In the religious aspect, Christianity is the major religion in Kenya, followed by

Islam, while Buddhism and Hinduism are in the minority. However, in Canada, there

is no official religion, for they are open to freedom of religion or religion pluralism.

Hence, Christianity, Islam, and other religions are also considered the country’s

faiths. Moreover, Kenyans value religion, while Canadians of many faiths coexist

with each other. For spiritualism, Kenyans may combine different spiritual beliefs to

form their own spiritual path, while the majority of Canadians also value indigenous

spirituality. Kenyans’ and Canadians’ spirituality is said to be diverse and personal.

Both countries' spirituality, when it comes to those who are indigenous, follows

traditional rites or traditional spiritual practices.

III. SHOW
IV.
 V. RELEVANCE OF THE APPRECIATION OF CULTURE

Sharing the various facets of cultures, including traditions, cuisine, and fashion,

holds a crucial role in a culturally diverse nation that thrives on its diversity.

Embracing one's own culture contributes significantly to the strength and unity of our

society. According to Tariq Khan in 2018, social and intercultural interactions among

communities and nations are essential for international unity.

Unity is a challenge that nations face, and it can only be achieved through

cultural diplomacy. The culture of any nation fosters love, peace, and harmony

among its people. Cultural appreciation remains relevant in the contemporary world

for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it promotes understanding, encouraging

individuals to respect the traditions, values, and beliefs of others, thereby cultivating

tolerance and reducing prejudice. Secondly, it can strengthen communities by

promoting cultural events that showcase unique products, talents, traditions, dances,

songs, and more. The preservation of cultural traditions has become increasingly

important in the age of globalization.

Exposure to diverse cultures can also ignite fresh ideas, fostering innovation

and creativity. Lastly, personal growth is a result of the experiences and ideas

acquired, helping individuals appreciate their own cultures while respecting the

cultural traditions of others. It's crucial to emphasize that cultural appreciation should

always be approached with respect and a sincere desire to learn and understand,

rather than appropriating or commodifying another culture.

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