Episode 36: Time Isn’t Universal

Written By Andrea McCoy

When we think about time, we often assume it’s universal — 60 seconds in a minute, 24 hours in a day. But how we experience and value time? That’s deeply cultural.

In our newest episode of Canadian Salad, we explore the groundbreaking work of Edward T. Hall, a cultural anthropologist best known for his book Beyond Culture. Hall introduced the concept of monochronic vs. polychronic time — two radically different ways societies understand and use time.

And let’s just say: Canada leans heavily monochronic.

Monochronic vs. Polychronic: What’s the Difference?

In monochronic cultures, time is treated like a straight line. Think punctuality, deadlines, schedules, and doing one thing at a time. Countries like Canada, the U.S., Germany, and Switzerland tend to operate this way.

By contrast, polychronic cultures — like many in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia — see time as more fluid. People come before punctuality. Multitasking is common. Events unfold based on relationships and context, not strict schedules.

Why This Matters in Canada

Canada’s cultural fabric is increasingly diverse, yet our time norms remain largely rigid. This can cause confusion, frustration, and even misjudgments — especially in multicultural workplaces or interpersonal relationships.

Have you ever labeled someone as "late" or "disorganized" when really they come from a polychronic culture that views time differently? Have you ever felt pressure to prioritize productivity over people?

This episode unpacks these dynamics and makes the case that Canada — while rooted in a monochronic system — could benefit from integrating polychronic values: flexibility, relational awareness, and slowing down enough to connect.

Andrea McCoy https://www.janklin.ca
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Episode 37: Immigration, Power and the Vote
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Episode 35: Permission To Remember - Asian Heritage Month