For over a decade right here on Oui In France, I’ve been discussing cultural variations between the U.S. and France in addition to what it’s been like for me dwelling overseas in France as an American (amongst different issues in fact). A part of dwelling overseas is adapting to a brand new tradition and experiencing all of the trials and tribulations that include it. Then, in the future there comes a degree while you’ve tailored so properly to French life that you just begin incorporating French habits into the way you do issues while you go to your own home nation. To that finish, listed below are six unusual issues I do once I’m stateside which can be all as a result of I stay in France.
1. I mispronounce my very own identify. On goal.
Sure, I really mispronounce each my first and final names to make it simpler for everybody. When talking French, my American first identify will get a French pronunciation and when talking English, my French final identify will get an anglicized one.
Right here’s what I imply: My first identify, Diane, in French is pronounced Dee-Ahn (the second half is just not pronounced like Anne in English as a result of it’s a vowel sound that doesn’t exist in the identical approach and French folks can’t say it, so it will get frenchified. I haven’t ever been referred to as Diane (stated the American approach) in France by anybody and once I introduce myself, I pronounce my very own first identify the French approach so folks can correctly say it.
Now on the flip aspect of the coin, when talking English, my French final identify will get anglicized. The W, as an alternative of sounding like a V in French, will get a W sound in English and I say the “r” like an American and never a French particular person. I took the flamboyant issue from a stable 8 right down to a few 2 and it’s for the very best.
It’s simply simpler that approach as a result of once I’ve stated my French final identify the way it’s presupposed to be pronounced in French, People both don’t perceive what I’m saying or suppose I’m attempting to fancy (which isn’t the case. Keep in mind, I don’t like telling folks I stay in France!). A few years in the past, I made the shift to anglicize the pronunciation of my final identify for English audio system.
Should you’re into this subject, right here’s a put up I wrote about announcing French phrases “appropriately” (or not) when talking English.
2. I make raspberry sounds in dialog.
I’ve written about French speech noises (with audio examples) and one in all my favorites is a mouth sound I name “raspberries.” It seems like one thing a child would do or a sound you’d make at a child. It’s sort of like a mouth fart. This beautiful French sound is sort of widespread and means “I don’t know.”
The primary time I heard an grownup do that in France, I did a double take as a result of it got here out of nowhere and I didn’t anticipate it. Now I do it. Typically even in English too!
3. I put a spoon in an opened bottle of glowing wine.
Earlier than you place your bubbly within the fridge, pop a spoon in it! Actually, it really works! Tom taught me this one years in the past. French folks know what I’m speaking about. Should you open Champagne, crémant, or another glowing wine, put a spoon in there with the oval spoon half protruding of the tip of the bottle and stick it within the fridge. It’ll save the bubbles at the very least till the subsequent day.
Strive crémant as an alternative of Champagne (and save a couple of bucks!) >>
4. I’m overly well mannered.
Whereas some folks within the U.S. at all times say, “Good day, thanks, have a superb day, and goodbye” each time they work together with somebody, it’s not required and most of the people say a lot much less of their interactions. Only a pleasant howdy and thank you’re completely wonderful with shopkeepers, retailer staff, and so forth. within the U.S. Saying howdy, thanks and wishing a cashier an exuberant “good day!!!!” in NYC may get some aspect eye.
However in France, you recognize all concerning the significance of claiming bonjour and different conversational niceties. Social politeness is one thing the French take significantly. This behavior has carried over to how I work together with folks in English. Fellow People who’ve noticed me have even commented on my politeness, which has undoubtedly ramped up over time. I personally like being tremendous well mannered and it comes naturally to me now after a decade because it’s the norm in France.
5. I eat dinner later.
I’m not a complete convert and I reserve 8 p.m. dinnertimes for once I’m in France (or it’s the weekend and we’re going out within the U.S.). However for on a regular basis weeknight dinners once I’m visiting the U.S., my regular dinnertime is normally a bit later than what it was rising up — particularly if I’m eating alone.
My household eats dinner round 6:30-7 p.m. and for me, 7-7:30 p.m. can be the right time. However when in Rome and all… I adapt to what my household does since I’m the outsider.
11 American habits the French discover impolite >>
6. I don’t tip at eating places.
JUST KIDDING, OMG. I TIP!! I TIP PROPERLY WHEN I’M IN THE U.S. I’m a superb tipper and at all times deal with restaurant servers properly. I used to be one again within the day, in any case. I really despise dangerous tippers.
Anyway, tipping 20% or extra at eating places within the U.S. is the norm and I’m completely happy to say that is one behavior that hasn’t worn off after dwelling in France. In France although, I do what’s regular right here and tipping 20% is NOT. I spherical payments up or depart just a few further euros for an ideal meal and repair.
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What about you? What habits do you now do in your house nation as a result of dwelling overseas has worn off on you?
PIN MY FRENCH HABITS IN THE US POST:
