Intercultural communication FRANCE Intercultural communication

Language French is the official language in 29 countries The French are careful guardians of their language and try to ban foreign words. Movies are usually dubbed and foreign books are translated in French. Also French music is more popular in France than foreign. The French appreciate if you try to speak French with them

Meetings and Presentations French have less structure in meetings than for example Germans French might spend a lot of time on facts and analysis Meetings usually continue after the scheduled ending time because the French wants to discuss about the issues at hand The French love to argue and debate about issues Shake hands with everyone when you enter the meeting room beginning with the highest in rank. In many organizations people shake hands every morning. Share ideas with the team leader before bringing them to the group.

DINING etiquette and table manners Food is one of the great passions of the French people. Table manners are Continental, like in Finland Fine cuisine is as a normal part of daily life Meals are considered as a great opportunity to socialice French cooking varies by region and is highly refined and involves careful preparation, attention to detail, and the use of fresh ingredients and by what is grown locally If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening. Dress well and arrive on time. At the restaurant; understand the order of the courses on the menu. Appetizer, main course, cheese, dessert, coffee. Use the cutlery from the outside to the inside. If you do not know about the French wines ask the waiter. Red wine goes with red meat an white wine with white meat and fish. Some knowledge of French wines is appreciated by the French. Business lunches can take from one hour up to several hours.

CUSTOMS and Manners Show respect for your superiors, do not oppose them openly in public. For men; be a gentlemen and open the door for a lady. A good posture is considered a sign of breeding in this culture It is not acceptable to put your hands in your pockets or eat chewing gum in public. French people stand close to each other during a conversation. Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek. First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name. You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving. If you live in an apartment building, it is polite to greet your neighbours the same way.

Family values and relationships Each family member has certain duties and responsibilities. The extended family provides both emotional and financial support. Despite their reputation as romantics, the French have a practical approach towards marriage. Families have few children, but parents take their role as guardians and providers very seriously. The French are generally polite in all dealings, but only with their close friends and family they are free to be themselves. The French are private people. Friendships are intensive with a set of roles and responsibilities. A friend should always be available when needed and friendships involve frequent contact.

Sources http://www.intercultural.nl/Publications-Detail.aspx?GroupID7c9ece9c-8800- 47c4-91e4-341b2a57895a=e772c8d0-319f-41a2-a932- adf3baa86dd1&ItemID7c9ece9c-8800-47c4-91e4-341b2a57895a=08207c23- 2102-4f84-9adb-116fadf9b1cf http://business.uni.edu/buscomm/InternationalBusComm/world/europe/fran ce/france.html http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/france-country- profile.html