Mathieu Avanzi has written an entertaining and deeply researched book, Comme On Dit Chez Nous, about the terms used in France for all sorts of things, from food to pencils to tires and more.
What a lovely collection - BUT most cannot read french to this extent - nor do they fall into the existential mind trip of France. Would love to see a list of unusual books, that take one into daily life in France, (fiction or non)that are translated into English. A list of books that aren't on the radar but are good reads none the less.
"I find that smiling, then looking very lost and curious as I begin to explain (in poor French)..." I loved this! When I lived in France, I was pretty much always confused, but I found that French people--even Parisians!--are kind to a person in distress who tries and fails to speak decent French, while "bonour-madam"ing left and right.
Absolutely, yes. Asking a question is better than making a statement. A statement is likely to be challenged. A question, especially one seeking assistance, is likely to be answered. France has a Good Samaritan law, and if you look like a disaster about to happen, people will step in and help you either because of culture or the law.... This was an illuminating and funny read.
What a lovely collection - BUT most cannot read french to this extent - nor do they fall into the existential mind trip of France. Would love to see a list of unusual books, that take one into daily life in France, (fiction or non)that are translated into English. A list of books that aren't on the radar but are good reads none the less.
"I find that smiling, then looking very lost and curious as I begin to explain (in poor French)..." I loved this! When I lived in France, I was pretty much always confused, but I found that French people--even Parisians!--are kind to a person in distress who tries and fails to speak decent French, while "bonour-madam"ing left and right.
Absolutely, yes. Asking a question is better than making a statement. A statement is likely to be challenged. A question, especially one seeking assistance, is likely to be answered. France has a Good Samaritan law, and if you look like a disaster about to happen, people will step in and help you either because of culture or the law.... This was an illuminating and funny read.
Ah, this explains a lot about why I found the French so welcoming:)
It's like truth in advertising: I'm an idiot, BEWARE. Must be why I get red license plates when I lease a car....