As a Canadian, I spent eight months living in France a couple years ago. Had nothing but great experiences with people. I had one pharmacist be a little snooty with me. But other than that, they were very helpful regardless and very nice.
What I realized is that they place a lot of value in their native language and it’s very important to them to speak it clearly and properly whenever possible so they won’t usually hesitate to correct you.
The vast majority of people were stoked that we were speaking French at all. It’s really changed my perspective on the French language in my own country for the better, to be honest. I just get it now.
I frequently hear this stereotype from people who haven’t been to France. I specifically hear that the French are rude to anyone who doesn’t speak French. My experience was that they can be rude to Americans who assume everyone will speak English. I would do my best to have a conversation in French, and the locals would usually take pity on me and switch to English.
I’m not denying there are unfriendly French people, but I would expect anyone to get tired of tourists who don’t make any effort to speak the local language.
Also, I think mainstream Americans expect people to be bouncy and grinning all the time or else they say you have resting bitch face and a case of the Mondays. In a lot of cultures, grinning at a complete stranger is condescending and makes you look foolish.
I went to see the Vimy memorial, many years ago, and it was delightful. People were so friendly, and very welcoming. I did not see a ‘rude Frenchman’ stereotype throughout the holiday. Very nice cheeses, though you have to be okay with the strength of the aroma of them lol.
France might not be one
As a Canadian, I spent eight months living in France a couple years ago. Had nothing but great experiences with people. I had one pharmacist be a little snooty with me. But other than that, they were very helpful regardless and very nice.
What I realized is that they place a lot of value in their native language and it’s very important to them to speak it clearly and properly whenever possible so they won’t usually hesitate to correct you.
The vast majority of people were stoked that we were speaking French at all. It’s really changed my perspective on the French language in my own country for the better, to be honest. I just get it now.
I frequently hear this stereotype from people who haven’t been to France. I specifically hear that the French are rude to anyone who doesn’t speak French. My experience was that they can be rude to Americans who assume everyone will speak English. I would do my best to have a conversation in French, and the locals would usually take pity on me and switch to English.
I’m not denying there are unfriendly French people, but I would expect anyone to get tired of tourists who don’t make any effort to speak the local language.
Also, I think mainstream Americans expect people to be bouncy and grinning all the time or else they say you have resting bitch face and a case of the Mondays. In a lot of cultures, grinning at a complete stranger is condescending and makes you look foolish.
… nobody ever says Italy.
Dude?
I went to see the Vimy memorial, many years ago, and it was delightful. People were so friendly, and very welcoming. I did not see a ‘rude Frenchman’ stereotype throughout the holiday. Very nice cheeses, though you have to be okay with the strength of the aroma of them lol.
Which app are you using?
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