Canadian Language and Use of; Ehy

By: Lance Winslow
Submitted: 2007-01-17 10:58:53
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Many people have met Canadians and noticed that they often say EHY at the end of their sentences ehy? Some might see this as similar to the; you all, often used by Southerners living in the United States. Many French Canadians especially more educated folks see the use of; ehy, as improper even in casual conversations.

Indeed and I am pretty well traveled and have been to almost every city in the lower latitudes of Canada and well I sure have heard that; "Ehy" at the end of enough sentences in my day, let's say? In the United States close to the borders also. Recently a French Canadian chastised me for the use of; Ehy. He indicated it was not funny to use that in an email conversation and degrading to Canadians? He stated;

--- Well, forgive me Sir, it's definitely not common with university educated folks that you'll meet in business. I thought it would be helpful for your future Canadian contacts to point that out. Generally speaking, I know better than to offer unwanted advice.

Unfortunately he is totally incorrect so I explained my understanding of it all and I stated; Absolutely incorrect from an observational standpoint, in fact I saw a Business Man yesterday from a Major Fortune 500 company in Canada use it on MSNBC during the stock news. I was taken aback as it is similar to someone in the US saying; "all y'all" in the Deep South.

Additionally not all business people go to Universities to learn business some just do it. In fact the saying those who can't teach is also relevant to this discussion. Gas and Oil, Timber, Farmers, Fishing, Poultry, Cattle, etc all Major industries. They generally say "ehy" during discussions in Canada and as they travel with their wealth in the US. Personally you should not place too much emphasis on University education, I quit school and have done tons of business in Canada.

Further, I asked him if he was an elitest and said; It is okay if you are, but when doing business (of course we will not be doing business) but when doing business with arrogant Americans it probably is not wise to give advice that they may perceive to be BS, due to observation, experience and real world realities.

You see, recently, I was watching a CSPAN of one of the Canadian Parliament sessions and one of the leaders said ehy, ehy? And I suppose if you want to legitimately be respected by the masses you have to appear as one of them. Machiavellian Principle, the best leader comes from the Masses, as he is loved and respected until, which time he either is exhaulted or must learn to be feared and respected? Not good or bad, it just is right? Suffice it to say; all Canadians say Ehy from time to time. Some even laugh when they say it, because it is funny and they know it, ehy. Consider this in 2006, ehy!

Lance Winslow

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