A Nigerian woman residing in Canada, who goes by the handle @mmariaammx on TikTok, recently shared a startling experience concerning cultural differences leading to job termination. She claims she was fired from her care attendant position for using the phrase “sorry” too frequently.
According to @mmariaammx, her daily interactions with her employer, who suffered from chronic pain, involved regular expressions of sympathy through “sorry.” While this practice aligns with common Nigerian cultural norms, it seemingly clashed with her employer’s expectations in the Canadian workplace.
“Sorry is like a default word in Nigeria,” explained @mmariaammx in a TikTok video, expressing surprise at the unexpected cultural gap. “But what I learned is that in Canada, it’s not like that.”
The video highlights the importance of understanding cultural nuances during immigration, particularly in professional settings. While expressing empathy is appreciated universally, the methods and frequency might differ across cultures.
@mmariaammx, emphasizing the learning experience, shared, “When you emigrate, you have to be ready to unlearn and relearn.” She further mentioned that her employer politely voiced discomfort with the constant “sorry,” eventually leading to termination.
This incident sparks conversations around cultural sensitivity and adaptation in diverse workplaces. It is crucial for employers to acknowledge cultural differences and create inclusive environments where clear communication and respectful interactions are prioritized.
