France🕣
State in Western Europe. Official name – French Republic. Population - 65.3 million (as of April 2021). Capital – Paris. Official language – French. Government type - republican state and a parliamentary democracy. Main religion – Catholicism.
France
Greeting
A typical greeting is the handshake, which should be light and quick. Every meeting begins and ends with a handshake.
A man can take the initiative by extending his hand to a woman for a handshake.
Hugs and kisses are accepted between women who already know each other well. For men, this kind of greeting is only possible with close friends or within the family.
Depending on the locality or even the city of France, the kissing ritual may differ, mainly in the number of kisses. When greeting each other, the parties can exchange kisses up to 5 or even 6 times. Which cheek to start with - only the locals can answer this question.
Keep eye contact with your partner. It is considered indecent to look away during a conversation.
Introduction
Address your French partner by his or her last name while referring to his or her professional title or academic degree.
"Insignia" (titles, degrees, ranks, positions) are very important in France.
Use polite forms of address - Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle - during conversation without adding the person's surname or first name.
At the initial stage of getting acquainte...
Exchange of Business Cards
The exchange of business cards takes place after the parties have introduced themselves to each other without much formal ritual.
On the back of the business card, duplicate the text in English.
The business card usually indicates the academic degrees of the holder.
French business cards are sometimes larger than in other countries....
Small Talk: Overview
The French attach great importance to creating a network of their own personal contacts. They are able to communicate easily, elegantly and casually in a social setting.
When communicating with business partners at business events, their behaviour can be described as polite and rather formal. They do not like familiarity.
The French love their language and prefer to speak it, wh...
Preferred Topics
Sports, art, literature, music - good topics for small talk, provided that your interests coincide.
The French will be pleased if the conversation turns to a particular region of France or to items of French pride - wines, cheeses, restaurants, French cuisine in general.
World-famous French holiday destinations, travel, fashion and cosmetics can provoke an interesting conversati...
Taboo Topics
In France it is customary to separate work and private life, so any questions about family, children, sources of income, etc. will be inappropriate.
Do not say anything negative about the things the French are proud of.
Do not make any comparisons between European countries, especially between France and the UK or Germany....
Personal Space
During a conversation, the French stand at arm's length to each other or slightly less.
Gestures (often very intense) and facial expressions are important features of communication.
However, touching during communication is only possible between people who know each other well or are relatives....
Communication Specifics
Status is an important factor in this society. In communication it often influences the style and manners of the speakers towards each other.
Many French people speak English but may not show it. Find out in advance if you will need an interpreter. The French are known for their love of the French language.
The French love to debate, so don't be surprised or take it personally...
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