Codes of Cultural Behavior - Essay Example

s of cultural behavior France because it’s the worlds all times favorite tourist destination which isnot debatable as France has it all you might want with more or less. France has tourist’s scenarios for all tastes; great beaches, highest mountains like Hajar Mountains to the western of the country, historical monuments like the Dubai Creek and beautiful cities like Paris. There is also the fact that France has a very rich culture that attracts many people from all over the world. In addition their artistic skills are among the best in the world. When in France do as they do, try to learn and appreciate their cultural practices to maximize your stay and learn how to not behave like a tourist. In general France being a multiethnic country provides a basis for vast research for my assignment. France national identity is based on historical origins of Celtic, Gallo-Romano and Frankish cultures. The France culture is very much influenced by their old traditions; hence it’s difficult to change their practices. France operates under constitution that was born in 1958, which has not changed to date; this shows the French are comfortable with their governance. After the world war two this country was greatly affected in terms of decreasing fertility levels among sexes, economic imbalances, also decreased social economic resources available. The government is highly centralized. The culture promotes equality for all. Religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitution and it’s a personal choice of every citizen in France .religion is however one of the main conflicts in France, however the French stand for their religious beliefs Catholism being the dominant religion although there are several Jews and approximately 1200 Islamic organizations. France however is a secular country as most people rarely attend masses. The official language in France is French since the nineteenth century, although local dialects such as Breton, Catalan and Basque are still in use and some are taught in some regional schools. Major social problems include, homelessness, terrorism, economic instabilities and AIDS (Thomas pg246).the population according to the census is 1999 was about 58.5 million which is approximated to be more than that at the moment (Agulhon pg105) Do learn some French phrases before travelling to France like bonjour which is their hello, merci which is thanks and au revoir which is French for good-bye. This will take you a long way as they appreciate tourists learning some little French and use it while talking to them. You must also learn when and why to use certain words like tu and vous which is French for you. Familiarize yourself with common words to avoid conflicting with the French people (Pierre pg569) While visiting friends or your host bring gifts. For flowers present in odd numbers but not 13 which is considered unlucky. Gifts could include food or drinks like a bottle of champagne. Ensure your gift is classy not something that is too much on the ordinary and should be practical in the sense that it applies to the visit. This way they will appreciate and understand that you’re accepting their cultural practices (Graham pg167) While in France enjoy your meals don’t rush them. Since most likely you are on vacation, Embracing this culture will make you look like a local not tourist Enjoy meals with a few conversations as their meals time is defined and long enough for that. At the restaurant order multiple courses don’t eat just single courses this is not acceptable, and then don’t eat too much for the first course as this will prevent you from getting done with the rest of the course. While eating you should avoid leaning on the table and remember to place your napkin on your thighs before relaxing and getting cosy. Remember meal time in France is sacred so treat it with the respect it deserves. This ensures that you will enjoy their culinary art skills too. (Graham pg 354) Dress appropriately while in France. Fancy sweat shirts and ripped pants will make you look like the tourist you are and they consider this as respect for one self. Carry your basics from home, leave skimpy dresses behind. Like a clean pair of jeans, dresses, long coats, cardigan and comfortable walking shoes are good enough to fit in their culture. You may wear shorts and sandals which are suitable only when at the beach and in the countryside only during a hot rather humid afternoon. (Polly pg 36) Courtesy especially of greetings is protocol in France. When going into a store or restaurant always say bonjour Madame or bonjour monsieur which is hello madam and hello sir don’t just barge in and seek help. When enquiring something always start with please. Shake hands or kiss only when appropriate while you there. For friends the French air kiss is common. But if you are still not used to the people therein handshakes are most ideal form of greetings. Learn the French schedule, tourist attraction sites might be closed at lunch hour while eatery maybe closed past 2pm.In France get ready to pay for every other service you receive, nothing goes for free. France is a very hierarchical society too so learn to address them with their tittles not just calling out their names. (Nadeau and Barlow pg24) While in France obey their driving regulations, carry your passports or identity papers every time you leaving the room even to the shopkeeper, obey speed limits, don’t drink and drive as the long hands of the law will catch up on you and you will be liable to hefty penalties. If you will be using public means, buy tickets before boarding a buses if caught without a ticket you are bound to hefty fines (Graham pg43) Having given several acceptable habits in reference to their culture there has to be don’ts as well. While in France don’t complain how long your order at the café has waited. A relaxing experience is part of the rich France culture. Also while at restaurants. Don’t start eating until the waiter or waitress has said “bon appétit”. Don’t give huge tips as in your home country, little if any tips are appreciated. (Maurice pg 32) Don’t assume everyone speaks English. It’s only kind if you ask first before you go speaking to persons in French. Chances are you will have to speak some French. Eating on the streets is abomination in France, they appreciate if you sit and take your time to eat Also don’t make great shopping plans for Sunday as the government mandates nearly all shops are closed. When addressing superiors in France don’t be comfortable with using their first names, and never use you. This will help you in relating well with them avoiding offending any personalities (Platt pg 54) Don’t discuss French politics or current events unless you are updated on what’s going on. The French take such issues seriously and everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Their culture does not appreciate any kind of criticism so being noble in speech is essential to not land you in conflicts (Platt pg50) Don’t try to brag to others with your wealth as this is seen as a wrong choice of discussion and isn’t an acceptable means of assessing or determining social status. Local discussion topics in France include religion, food, politics, family and office gossip. This bragging culture is most common in other countries but it is unacceptable here (Nadeau and Barlow pg56) Don’t present red carnations to friends as this is symbolize something bad will happen which may actually not be your real intention. When out to drink don’t expect to be served ice as they don’t add ice cubes to their drinks which is actually a norm in almost all countries. (Platt pg65) Having to learn French maybe a bit uncomfortable while visiting France as it is just a vacation considering most people are slow learners. One may not also be able to pronounce some of their words as desired offending the locals also knowing when to use specific words like tu or vous, French for you is quite difficult and this may make a tourist uncomfortable during their visit. Restriction of sending red flowers as it a symbol of bad things is uncomfortable to most people as globally red is recognized as the color of love. Waiting for the waiter or waitress to say “bon appétit” that could prove to be tricky considering you’re grabbing something as you are too hungry to even be patient for that. Having your mode of dressing stipulated or restricted is tough especially if you come from a country where nobody cares whatever you put on. The mode of dressing is mostly restricted to long dresses, skirts, long coats and official or presentable pair of pants. Some people may not be able to conform to such kind of dressing. The fact that most stores maybe closed at lunch hour is a limitation too as some people maybe too busy during work hours to shop for something and maybe this break would be most appropriate for them. Learning when to hand shake or kiss will be tough. As you might never know what’s appropriate to do with whom. Shopping is limited in France as most people like shopping over the weekend, but in France the government mandates all stores to be locked down on Sunday, especially to protect religious day. This is inconvenient as this is the most unoccupied day for most people. At the malls you are not allowed to grab every other clothing during shopping but you are supposed to wait for the shop attendant to do that for you, this may not be ideal for shopping as maybe you would like to see and hold the item and maybe fit it in to match your shopping needs. . In conclusion though this is a respectable culture and way too courteous which should be easy for anyone during their stay in France, as most likely the tourist enjoyed their rich culture and several attraction sites and also the reception of the natives here. France is a great country anyone reading this paper should make an effort to pay a visit. Work cited Nadeau Jean-Benoit. Sixty million frenchmen can’t be wrong, sourcebooks, 2003. print Pierre Nora. Realms Of Memory: Rethinking The French Past, Vol 1, Columbia University Press, 1996, print Polly Platt. French Or Foe, Distribooks, 2003.print Maurice Agulhon, Antonia Nevill: The french Republic, Blackwell pub, 1993. Print Read More