Dispelling Some Myths About French & Americans

Dispelling Some Myths about French & Americans

1) The French don’t like anyone who doesn’t speak French

False! The French are happy to show off their high school English when asked if they speak it. What they find offensive is when visitors to their country assume they speak English without first attempting a few words on French. Citizens of any country assume that incoming visitors will either learn the native language or at least make every attempt to master a few phrases when they arrive…and so, too, do the French. A simple sentence stammered out in French will get your question answered much more quickly and helpfully. If you master only one phrase in French, try « Excusez-moi, je ne parle pas français; parlez-vous anglais? »

2) French waiters are rude

False! Rather, French waiters don’t act like American waiters; they have a different set of cultural rules. Time spent by patrons in cafés is meant to be leisurely; you’re expected be there for a stretch.

So the waiter might take his time getting over to you. And since waiting tables in France is a profession, not a part-time job for college students, French waiters don’t tell you their name, nor do they announce that they’re happy to be your waiter for the evening, nor will they bring you your check until you ask for it. They’re there to take your order and bring you your food. Period. They don’t (usually) return to your table until the meal is over, and because they receive a salary independent of any tip you might care to leave, they don’t need to become your new best friend. So when your American sense of timing starts to raise your blood pressure as you wonder why your waiter hasn’t rushed over to your table, a winning smile and a friendly “Bonjour, Monsieur” will get you far better service than an angry stare or a frantic wave to induce them to come.

3) The French don’t like Americans

Au contraire! The French might not always agree with American politics, but they are usually quite charmed by [polite] American visitors to their country. They enjoy the American friendliness (which the French might dub as a certain naïveté), the indomitable spirit (unlike theirs, which is more tainted from centuries of warfare), and the profound American belief that anything is possible. They know it isn’t. So enjoy the French; they already like you. Just don’t bring up George Bush.