Introduction
Romance, cuisine, the attractions, the history…these are all aspects of France that are appealing to the common tourist. It is even more exciting to get paid to travel to a foreign country as part of a job. But amidst a cloud of clichés many Americans do not really know how to make business with the French, the differences of body language, etiquette, expressions, and even the values of the French people. That is why it is essential to know about all aspects of the country before traveling to do business. Since comportment is key to likability the purpose of this report is to inform the reader of the customs, traditions, and manners in order to avoid awkward instances of cultural ignorance. It includes tips on dining etiquette, greetings, body language, French culture including food cuisine, art, fashion, major attractions, currency, time difference and other smaller aspects such as correspondence, business relationships, and even idioms. The ultimate intention is not only as to inform travelers, but perhaps even shed light on some of the less unknown parts of the French experience and make the trip to the illustrious country all the more enjoyable. Bon voyage!
Language and Greetings
In order to be able to negotiate and persuade effectively, a person needs to have some knowledge of the French language. Below is a list of essential and commonly used greetings in France.
French English
Salut Hi
Bienvenue Welcome
Bonjour Good day
Bonsoir Good night
Bonne Journée Good day or Goodbye
Bonne Soirée Good evening or Goodbye
Bonne Nuit Good night
Au revoir Goodbye.
Salut Goodbye
Á tout de suite See you in a minute
Á plus tard See you later
Á la prochaine Until next time.
Á demain. See you tomorrow
Á la semaine pr...
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...ich may give off the impression as unfriendly - just another common misconception of the French. In fact, they offer much closer hugs and a few kisses too.
Of course they may not want to talk about personal affairs at the dinner table such as salaries, religion, and politics, but they do it just to avoid trouble. In this way they are not stiff upper-lipped people, but calm and relaxed and wanting to enjoy life to the fullest (even if it requires a few love affairs here and there).
Some of France’s laws may be a little questionable, and their business cards may not be able to fit into your average wallet, however, doing business here is not only exciting, but possibly life changing. Seeing aspects of regular life from a different perspective which may not only affect the way a person does business, but also looks at their own life - family, government, and culture.
In this section, the readers are introduced to the idea that rich American tourists influences Parisian shop owners and city officials to Americanize to attract customers. Consequently, creating a hub for Americans that influences Parisian and can be influenced by Parisians. She focuses on how this hub changed views on both sides. Americans seeing it as an exclusive club, Parisians understanding it as a betrayal of the ‘true’ Paris. Tensions from the preferential treatment of Americans become the basis for many of Blowers subsequent chapters.
In addition, France proves to be a haven for interracial relationships as well. As seen in Another Country, the French society does not frown upon relationship between the races.
Scott, M. (2011, November 28). More anglophones see English-French relations as problem. Retrieved May 12, 2014, from Montreal Gazette website: http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/More+anglophones+English+French+relations+problem+Poll/5777450/story.html
Every French citizen is falling into the clutches of consumerism and conformity. We are turning into a trinket society, worshipping of a mammon, and witnessing to the death of our beloved culture. I shed a tear to think we are turning into a materialistic society like that of America where as whose society is dynamic and derived from consumer-driven economic growth. In falling into consumerism we are generating an endless increase of desires that can not b satisfied by the means that which we live in France. This lifestyle alienates the consumer to form bondage around them; it does not free them. The society in America is of destruction, not to b...
They also take the time to prepare the food, and then sit down and eat it socially. As a result of meals being “events” or “celebrations”, they eat slower and enjoy their food. In America, people often eat on-the-go (in their car, while walking, etc.) so food is consumed quickly which makes it easier to overeat. Therefore, the French eat less food in a longer period of time, which allows them to take pleasure in their meal. Another French custom is to always eat at the same time of day, which limits the amount of control a person has on when they eat - this is controlled by the
My second cultural plunge was a rather different experience. I wanted to do something different that I hadn’t already experienced before. Choosing my second cultural plunge experience proved to be more difficult. Ultimately, I choose to go to Café Beau Soleil since it was close to UCI. I never been to Fashion Island, so I didn’t know what to expect going there. When I researched places to visit on the internet I became interested in this café. Before going to the café I already started having misconceptions of what it would be like. Some of the thoughts that I had was that it would probably have foods such as French bread, pasta and croissants and that all the workers would know French. Yet, when my friend and I went inside the café, I concluded
Services are a large part of the composition of France’s gross domestic product. It accounts for 70.6% of the GDP and a whopping 71% of the work force (“CIA 2001”. 1). Tourism has a lot to do with the very large chunk services take up in France’s gross domestic product. People make their way to France for many different reasons. Some people come for the great food, wines, and pastries. Others come for the beautiful scenery of the French Riviera, Eiffel Tower, and fun festivals such as the gypsy festival which is known for its extravagant singing and dancing. Others come for art and entertainment which they can take in at any one of France’s many museums such as the Louvre. The Cannes Film Festival is another event that makes France an attractive destination for those who love the arts. The festival brings film stars together from all over the world to promote their new summer movies.
According to livescince.com, The French community is extremely passionate about romance and are very open about it. This is shown in the film when Amelie gets her co-worker and a customer together or Amelie and Nino’s relationship. It is also shown in passion for the past. This was shown when Amelie returns the man his box full of childhood relics and he was beyond words. It is also seen with Amelie’s father and the garden gnome. He was extremely upset when the gnome disappeared after finally being able to take it out of the tool shed. The consumption of horsemeat was also brought up in the film, which is something the French eat. The high alcohol consumption is also prevalent in the film. This is shown by the character always having wine during meals or when a visitor comes to their
The rest of the book is spent discussing each of the countries in detail. For each country the authors give a brief explanation of the history of the culture. Then they give tips on what each country expects from a visiting businessman. This includes tips on whether or not it is okay to be late for meetings, proper behavior during a business lunch or dinner, and how to properly address people you come in contact with during your business trip. They also give a guide t...
It’s meaning is an item on a restaurant menu that can be ordered separately from a set meal. Many people often opt to use this style of ordering instead of a full meal. Armoire is another word adopted from the French in the late 16th century. This word is used to describe a type of furniture used to store clothing. It is also often referred to as a wardrobe. One of the most popular words adopted from the French is Ballet. Ballet is a form of dance that was originated in the Italian Renaissance courts in the 15th century and developed into a type of dance in France. Not only have we adopted words, we have also adopted phrases. Bon Voyage is a phrase used in France that means good luck or good journey. Many people in the U.S still use this phrase to wish someone well on their travels. It has also been used in names of films and movies. Although Brunette was also adopted from the French, it is rarely used by them. Brunette is used to describe a brown-hair girl. The French opted to use Brune to describe a brown-hair woman and Brun to describe a brown-hair man. We have also borrowed bouquet from the French. Bouquet is used to describe a handful of flowers. It is
The French culture is known worldwide by its arts and lifestyle. There are many countries in Europe, South America and African are influence by the French culture not just the US. First we have artists like Nicolas Poussin and Louise Moillon who develop a more advance art style. Next is Michel de Montaigne a French philosopher that made essays and writes about the brain advances literature worldwide. They have beautiful architecture and garden, for example The Palace of Versailles and Hall of Mirrors. Third haute couture talk about the high fashion of France spread through Europe and change fashion. Finally, cuisine the evolutionary of food in France and food we still eat today. These are the people and art we owe the French from its culture
They do not shake hands like Americans do. The role each person has is another thing to understand. For instance, if you are a student speaking to your teacher, you would communicate differently to that person than to your parents and vice versa. “Social stratification varies across cultures, and not all roles are valued the same (Neuliep, 2014).”
Gofen, Ethel and Reymann, Blandine. Cultures of the World: France. New York: Times Media Private Limited, © 2003.
Paris is known for having good baguettes and duck. Paris is also known for having many bakeries with croissants. I would prefer trying all of the foods in Paris that aren’t in America. Another thing I would like to experience is their culture. I want to be in Paris on July 14, Bastille Day, because it’s on the same date as my dad’s birthday and four days after my own.
Different countries have different cultures, values, and ideologies. In every society, manners and etiquette are essential. These beliefs have been derived and practiced from the old generation to the modern generation. Manners also shape societies and rule people. In some countries, Thailand and Japan, have a significant numbers of foreigners for varied purposes such as travelling, working, and studying. However, living in the different circumstances is not simple. People may experience some troubles, which can make them confused and embarrassed. Learning to adapt ourselves by learning through their behaviors may encourage people to understand them better. This essay will compare the difference of manners and etiquettes between Thailand and Japan in three significant points.