The French do have certain cultural differences from
Anglophones. Knowing some of these differences can prevent
misunderstandings and make your tour of France much more enjoyable.
Good manners are an extremely important part of French
culture and are rooted in long tradition. Being accustomed to certain
social conventions, they do not realize that violations of these social codes
by foreigners are not a sign of rudeness or poor manners, but just a cultural
difference. Likewise, your idea of politeness and manners may leave you
feeling insulted by people who don’t realize that your culture’s social
expectations are different.
Smiling
The French do not emphasize the smile like some other
cultures do. It is not customary in France to smile at strangers or new
acquaintances. Just as it is said that New Yorkers have an unconscious,
self-protecting habit of never looking strangers in the eye, in France one
doesn’t just smile at tourists or people one doesn’t know well enough to
trust. In fact, a person with a big huge smile for no specific reason
seems either seductive or grossly absurd.
Personal Space
Some foreigners complain that it feels like the French are
pushing in lines; however, this is only because they require a much smaller
“bubble” of personal space around them than some other nationalities do.
You may also notice that the French drive and park very close to other
vehicles. So this closeness is not something to perceive as personal
intimidation, but just a cultural difference in the accepted distance people
feel they need from others. Casual conversation from strangers is the equivalent
of pushing in line to Anglophones. Les français maintain “personal space”
through silence, so the attempt of a stranger to converse can often be
perceived as a rude violation of space. Remaining silent in a cramped or
shared area between strangers is a sign of a desire to respect the space of others
and to protect one’s own personal “space.”
Speech
If you will notice, conversations in restaurants, on the
streets, and elsewhere in France are barely audible to outsiders.
Speaking loudly enough for others to clearly overhear is considered vulgar and
obnoxious, and a sign of extremely bad manners. It is shocking to hear
someone blurt out: “Can you tell me…” or “I’m looking for…” or even
“Excuse me, where is…” One reason is because many French people may not
understand a word of English and feel threatened by their inability to
understand. But the primary reason is that it is socially unacceptable to
approach a stranger in that way, even if you are speaking French, without
following a certain social code of polite words. These words are
definitely NOT“S’il vous plait…” (Please…), because what typically follows that
phrase is a request for money.
The standard introductory words
are: “Excusez-moi de vous déranger monsieur/madame/mademoiselle, mais j’ai
un problème.” I translates to “Excuse me for disturbing you,
monsieur/madame/mademoiselle, but I have a problem.” This respectfully
leaves the choice up to the other person to ask how they can help you.
So, on your tour of France, when asking for directions, help, advice,
information, or anything which requires interrupting the time and space of
another person, you might want to consider first using that phrase. Upon hearing
it, the typical français will almost always be interested to find out what your
problem is and be happy to help you solve it, even if they have to ask several
other people for you. But once they have undertaken to help you, even if
you are in a hurry and they seem to be taking too long, it is a serious insult
to brush off their help.
For more travel tips and destination visit: Vacation Now blog
For France accommodation and lodging checkout: Owners Direct France
0 comments:
Post a Comment