French Culture and Customs
French Culture and Customs
Author of Article: Sasan
People in different countries have various qualities, cultures, customs, and languages which are mostly worth specific attention. As long as nobody is insulted, every culture can be studied meticulously. Sometimes, ordinary people stick ridiculously to a monotonous lifestyle in such a manner which culminates in a dull lifestyle, as French people say “C’est Métro, Boulot, Dodo”. So, this article focuses on French culture and customs specifically in order to break out of your comfort zone and think outside the box.
France is a country of 65 million people, most of whom speak French as their mother tongue, making foreigners a bit anxious. The French have a long-held reputation for not liking to speak English. To my vantage point, this is a type of prejudice but respecting people’s cultures is obligatory. Although people in large cities like Paris enjoy speaking English, on the whole, French people do not enjoy being addressed in English. So, in such condition, it is better to ask French people whether or not they speak English (Parlez vous anglais?). Also, if you wanted to visit France, you could learn some basics of their language. Not only does it make your trip easier but also it opens a new world to you.
Unlike Americans who are rather easy-going, French people are known for being cold. They care about formality and behave with reserve, especially in front of acquaintances. However, it does not mean that they do not enjoy your company. The French are close-knit and loyal and have a sense of caring and sharing towards their bosom friends. I personally believe that if there is mutual trust, people become close together soon. It is interesting that French people have a specific verb for addressing each other in a friendlier way. The verb “tutoyer” is generally used to ask people if they can call each other intimately rather than formally. So, it is a clue that French people are eager for intimacy.
Considering all the above-mentioned characteristics, we can learn many points from various cultures in different nations and French people are an example which merits consideration.
7. What are the differences among “mother tongue”, “second language” and “foreign language”?
I am an Iranian guy, I am Persian because I was born in Iran and my mother also was born here then
my mother tongue is Farsi. Therefore Farsi is my first language.
Most of the people in Iran widely spoken in Farsi then if we select another language to learn
then it is a foreign language.
In some countries in the world, we can find that they have much more than own their language.
Like in India, They speak Indian but also they use English in their daily speaking.
So English is the second language for them.
Now I would like to know about Canada, There is two common language that uses widely in speaking.
In some part of Canada, The main language is English but in other parts of the Canada French is the main language.
Now the question is, which language is the second language for Canadians because I think Canada is a bilingual country.
I would be grateful the professor explain a bit about it. : )
I know I was absent, had a serious problem at that time. I am sorry about that. : (
Thank you for asking this question.
I think you cannot find any place where two languages (English and French) are equally spoken. For instance, even in Canada, specifically in Quebec, French is spoken more widely and dominantly. As a result, English is considered a second language, according to McGill University.
6. The author of this article, Sasan, has chosen “French Culture” as the topic of his article. Knowing that he’s learning French these days, can you guess why he’s selected this topic?
5. What is anthropology?
4. Do you know what culture shock is?
3. What are the characteristics of cultures?
2. How important it is to learn about other people`s culture?
Corrective feedback:
How important is it …?
why do people in large city like Paris enjoy speaking English
It`s better to number your question and capitalize:
1. Why do people in large ….?
That’s right. Thanks for your correction.
Also, need to put a question mark at the end.
Great! Right again.
It’s me again.
I have to add up to my previous comment, after see your explanation in the video, many things became solved to me.
I don’t know how can I appreciate you, Just say you are Great.
I’m so glad to hear that our podcasts and materials have been of use to you.
Dear Professor
Before anything else, I have to thank you for your free English class.
I have noticed that I am not at this level of understanding English,
Anyhow there is not enough reason not to be here.
As I understand the text, it is an academic text,
then the words didn’t mean and use as usual of their meaning.
I mean, words do not use and meaning in the same sense as they use in general text of English.
I need a lot of work and practice to reach this level,
so I will do my best to be a good student for your free class.
With Best Wishes
ShaPour KhodaParast
Hi dear ShaPour and welcome aboard.
You’re most welcome and I’m quite happy you’ve decided to attend our free English class.
If you keep in touch with LELB Society, your register will tend to become fairly academic as we mainly practice English academically here.
From what I’ve seen in your first written contact, I can tentatively say that you have a taste for academic and professional English, rather than just colloquial English.
Remember that you are always welcome to do what Sasan has done, i.e. publishing your English articles under your own name.
To your success,