Cultural Differences

Cultural Differences

I do not think many Americans have experienced French anything as much as I and they worry about having problems with communicating in French. Actually I went to France for the first time in June 1999 and totally fell in love with that country and people. I did not speak any French but I did get the understanding while being there because the people there were very helpful to me. Contradictions too many Americans' fear, I have met the most kind people who were willing to help me wherever I went. As I travel to France, keep in mind that while you might recognize something as a cultural difference, you shouldn't judge it as right or wrong. There is a tendency as one is adjusting to a new culture to hit a period of annoyance and where you find the cultural differences to be, backwards or wrong. However, keeping yourself from thinking in terms of good or bad and instead thinking in terms of different or similar will help you get along more easily.

The great thing about French people was that, if I did not understand it, a person next to the person or whoever and more people tried to help. Several people used total body language and did whatever will help me understand. I only used a few French words and that was it: "Bon jour madame, parle vous English. Even if I was totally wrong with whatever I was talking about, people were so kind tome and Men or women, young people or seniors, they were very sincere. In my opinion French culture has charm and rich history that Americans should rediscover and learn more. Yes, US are fairly new and give opportunists for people. However, in US, it is so easy to ignore what is going on outside the world. I agree the land is huge and there are more opportunities.

By the way, I am not the best person you can hear about anything politic. I do not really understand political mind of either French or American. General people are fine; the people with power might be successful but may not be the best people to lead. What I know about countries so far is people are fine and they work hard to make a living and to support themselves or their family. There are many wonderful differences between American and French Culture. The ones that affect my daily life in France are the most important to pay attention to. Remember, if you are unsure how to respond and watch to see what your French friends do. That is what I done while living in France in 1999. I never disrespected any culture as far as the way they dress and the things that they ate.

The French tend to be very gracious when someone is demonstrating a desire to learn about their culture. However, I would like to recommend many Americans be more open to other culture and actually learn something. While I was writing this, I realize I should learn French because I did not speak or write French well while living in the state where many French and Mexican people live like