Act French
French is wonderful which is why the people of France have a very tradition-based society. This is seen in their mannerisms in formal and informal situations. It is important to establish which situations are informal and which are formal. While the French can be more forgiving to foreigners who break their cultural norms, they may be less inclined to those who fail to attempt.
This article will explain both situations.
Contents
Steps
- Understand that to act French, is to be in sympathy with another culture. This involves isolating the various components that constitute "Culture" and interpreting the norms. Like any other culture, there is no universally accepted definition of 'norm', so for simplicity's sake, this article shall be written in the perspective of Paris cultural norms.
Speech
French is a very beautiful language, revered all over the world as the language of love. It flows seamlessly from word to word; it is truly magical in every sense. While it may take time to create such euphoric speech, you will need to know the norms and basics of French speech.
- Learn the basics. It is very important that you know the basics of French, including informal and formal phrases. French people are often offended if you first attempt to communicate with them in English. Remember, do not jump straight to whatever you have to say; it is important in all cases to say "Bonjour!" and "Comment allez-vous?" A few simple phrases are useful such as "Je ne parle pas français!" or "Parlez-vous anglais?".
- Learn the greetings. Greetings are a prized cultural love in the French culture. In the English world, people may jump straight to the matter at heart. The French will always give their 'Hello' and 'How are you?'.
- In an informal situation, it is common practice to touch both cheeks and make a kissing sound; this act is called the 'bise'. The bise is done between all people regardless of age or gender, though in other regions of France, this may be different. This greeting is usually followed by the informal phrase "ça va?", which the common reply is "Oui, et toi?"(Yes, and you?)
- In formal situations, it is practice that all people, whether female or male, merely shake hands, followed by the formal phrase "Comment allez-vous?" (How are you), in which the reply is "Je vais bien, merci, et vous?" (I am well, thank you, and you?)
- Use emotion. French has various forms of spoken language to show emotion. While in English it is typical to use volume, the French frown upon yelling and screaming around others who are not involved in said matter. It is common that emotion is expressed in the tone and general phrasing of the conversation. This is often used in conjugation with facial expressions.
Dining
- Learn about dining etiquette in France. Dining is a very important aspect of French culture. Meal times are important times. They involve eating, most often, healthy and conversing uninterrupted with friends or family.
- Eat when the French do. The French believe in eating less frequently and healthier. There are 3 main meals, which are often large and healthy. Breakfast for most French people consists of a coffee (in a bowl) a piece of bread with butter, a yogurt and a piece of fruit for their travels. This may seem like a lot, but most French people will not eat for another 6 hours.
- Make the most of lunch. Lunch is an important meal in France. Children have a 2 hour lunch break in the middle of the day and most businesses are closed from 12-1. Lunch in France is yet another big meal and,in most cases, is similar to what we would call 'dinner'. For lunch, it is common to have a medium sized hot meal, consisting of meat, vegetables or pasta and most often a small dessert. Almost of the french people have an espresso after lunch.
- Have a snack. School in France finishes at 4:30 and most children arrive home at 5, at which time they will usually have a small snack, such as a croissant or slice of bread with Nutella.
- Have a late dinner. Dinner in France often takes place at around 8. Dinner consists of salads or soup (in regard of the season). Dessert in France is often yogurt, cheese and, in special cases, ice cream.
- Have the baguette for all meals. The baguette, something seen stereotypical to France, is consumed with all meals. Sliced bread is uncommon in France and the baguette is used for everything. Water is the most common of drinks, consumed with all meals, but most of adults drink wine with lunch and dinner. In France, it is considered weird to consume soft drinks during meals.
Appearance
The French are lovers of fashion. From the youngest of ages, you can see children and elder people with amazingly fashionable outfits, no matter what the style. Whether emo, gothic, preppy or some other sub-cultured fashion, the French always seem to be able to take it and make it into something more natural and neutral. When choosing your fashion, it is important to be C.E.N.N, Coordinated, Elegant, Natural and Neutral.
- Take care of your appearance. Fashion and appearance is a big thing in France. While it is not everything, the French believe people should always look their best. Remember to comb your hair and brush your teeth. Clothing in France is varied; teenagers enjoy the emo, scene, gothic and preppy fashion seen in English culture, but are less confronting.
- Do not wear anything that may be deemed offensive, such as t-shirts that read "Animals are friends, not fur". People in France believe that your opinions and beliefs are something you keep between yourself and close friends and family, not something to be voiced to people you do not know.
Tips
- Don't jump into everything straight away. Chances are you'll get ahead of yourself and offend people by accident. Let others approach you, observe those around you, and take things slowly.
- Act as others do. The French have so many traditions and ways that even they do not know why they do things. Refrain from asking "Why?"
- Until you have mastered your French, keep French talking short. Until you know a lot of french words, then you can really act like a french person.
- Do not do things just because ONE person did that. The act you repeat may be unique to that one person, so do things if you see it is common practice.
- ALWAYS say "bonjour" or "salut" to an employee when entering a shop or restaurant.
Warnings
- Pay attention to the area you are in. This "How to" is based on the practices of Normandy and Paris and does not reflect all French culture. Don't fear though, as people just may believe you are from Paris.
- France is a diverse country. In Paris, you may see two boys doing the 'bise'. In the southeast, you may see people doing 3 kisses instead of 2.
- If you are 1/4 or 1/2 French, or have some form of French heritage, do not blab this out; YOU ARE NOT FRENCH. In France, people are the nationals of their country of birth. If you must talk about your French blood, then phrase it as "My grandparent is from France."
Things You'll Need
- The ability to eat large amounts of food less frequently
- Proper resources for learning French
- Non-confronting clothing
- Basic manners
