When we talk about France, there are many things that strike the mind. Counted among the top countries to plan a trip to, it offers its visitors a lot of great things to enjoy. Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Palace Of Versailles and many others are the prime landmarks that make the country worth visiting.
Also known as the romantic destination, French offers newly married international couples a plethora of plans for their first journey together in the country. Other than just tourism, the Swiss neighbor is also popular around the world for its wine, cars, food and fashion. This makes it a complete package for you. The capital city of France, Paris, has so much to explore that you will have to compromise on time for that.
Wanna learn more about the country of romance? Keep reading as this article is loaded with priceless information about France and the French language.
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The History of French Culture
When it comes to the history of France, the prime point that each one of us has heard about is the French revolution. The French revolution entirely transformed the country’s landscape at that time. The period of the french revolution led to the termination of monarchy and feudalism. Moreover, it also took power from the Catholic Church and influenced people to bring new ideas of liberty, freedom and abolishment of slavery.
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If we discuss the history of the French language, the language that is spoken by over millions of people around the world got its roots from Gaulish and Vulgar Latin. The language was structured by various Germanic tribes with vocabulary. Besides, various cities of the country had an impact on the language over the century.
Post Romans conquered Europe and Gauls, the official language was Latin but didn’t stay for long. It ended in the last years of the 18th century, and the French gained popularity again. To know more about the French language, check out the history of the French language post!
Important Facts About The French Culture
- Cuisine: French cuisine is world-renowned for its richness and diversity, with dishes like croissants, escargots, coq au vin, and bouillabaisse. French meals are typically multi-course affairs, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
- Art: France has a long and storied tradition of artistic excellence, with famous names like Monet, Renoir, and Picasso all calling the country home at some point. The Louvre museum in Paris is one of the most famous art museums in the world, and is home to some of the most iconic works of art in history.
- Fashion: France is known as one of the world's fashion capitals, with haute couture brands like Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent all hailing from the country. Paris Fashion Week is a major event in the global fashion calendar, with designers from all over the world showcasing their latest collections.
- Wine: France is one of the world's largest wine producers, with regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne all producing world-renowned wines. Wine is an important part of French culture, and is often enjoyed with meals or as a standalone beverage.
- Language: French is the official language of France, and is also spoken in many other countries around the world. It is a Romance language, and is known for its complex grammar and pronunciation.
- History: France has a rich and complex history, with periods of great cultural, scientific, and artistic achievement interspersed with times of war and political upheaval. From the French Revolution to the reign of Napoleon, France has played a major role in shaping the course of world history.
- Sports: Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in France, with the national team having won the World Cup twice. Other popular sports in France include rugby, tennis, and cycling.
Manners and Etiquette in French
To be a citizen of France, it is best for you to learn how to blend in with the people of the country. As different countries have their own manners and etiquettes, you have to be aware of those of France.
- Greetings: When meeting someone, it is customary to shake hands or give a kiss on each cheek, starting with the left. This is known as "la bise."
- Formality: French culture values formality and respect, especially when interacting with elders, authority figures, or in business settings. Using "Monsieur" or "Madame" when addressing someone is considered polite.
- Table manners: Dining is a social event in France, and proper table manners are important. Keep your hands visible on the table, wait until everyone is served before eating, and hold your utensils correctly.
- Dress code: French fashion is known for its sophistication and elegance, and dressing appropriately is important. Avoid overly casual clothing and make an effort to dress nicely for formal occasions.
- Language: When addressing someone, use "vous" instead of "tu" unless you are close friends or family. Also, it is polite to greet people with "bonjour" and bid farewell with "au revoir" or "bonne journée" (have a good day).
- Punctuality: Being punctual is considered a sign of respect in French culture. Arrive on time or a few minutes early for appointments, meetings, and social events.
- Tipping: Tipping in France is not as common as it is in other countries, as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, it is still appreciated to leave a small tip for exceptional service.
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As the vocabulary words, the way to speak, grammar, and other aspects of the language vary, you need to be extra careful while using them. For example, to greet people, you can use Bon Jour, Bon Nuit, and la bise. This depends on various factors like social status and personal status of the people. To talk to a stranger or professionally, give a firm handshake align with saying “Je suis ravi de faire votre connaissance”. If you are speaking to a senior, you can go with Monsieur or Madame.
So, using all these vocabulary words in your mind, you can make a better impact on those around you. Know more about French Manners and Etiquette here!
The French Identity: Famous French people
Every country in the world has some famous faces that immediately paint a picture in our mind. Just like this, France also has some individuals that became the identity of the country by excelling in various fields. Here are some of them that became the undying face of French culture:
- Brigitte Bardot: Brunette Ballet Dancer
- Gérard Depardieu: Actor
- Luc Besson: Film Director
- Serge Gainsbourg: Musician
- Coco Chanel: Fashion Designer
- Astérix: Cartoon Character
Read in detail about them in 10 Famous French People!
Influential Philosophers of the French Language
No matter if you speak French, Spanish, Italian, German, Latin or English, there are always some influential people that inspire us. When it comes to French, there are many of them, and we will take a look at them now:
- Peter Abelard: 11th-century Theologian
- Michel Eyquem de Montaigne: Philosophy of the Renaissance
- René Descartes: 18th-century Mathematician and Scientist
- Jean Jacques Rousseau
- Simone de Beauvoir: 19th century female philosopher
Other than them, there were many others who influenced the individuals via their work and thoughts. You can read in-depth about them in 10 french Philosophers You Ought To Know About post!
Brief About the Famous French Writers
Every language, whether traditional or modern has its own set of rules, words, vocabulary, grammar, and other hidden information. Considering French, there are many writers who have mastered all these rules and aspects.
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Here are some of the best French writers that made their name by via their words:
- Chrétien de Troyes: Romance Writer
- Voltaire: Author from the Enlightenment
- Victor Hugo: French Literature
- George Sand: Feminist French author
- Marcel Proust: Lyrical French Writer
Now, if you are thinking of learning French, the writings of these brilliant writers will be your best learning sources. They will not only guide you on writing but will also help in improving the speaking part of the language. Do refer to their writings to learn better.
Most Important French Websites For Students & Working Professionals
The above-described points would have surely motivated you to become a French citizen. But, here are some of the most important websites for you if you are thinking about France for studies or working:
- Campus France (www.campusfrance.org): This website provides information on studying in France, including language courses, degree programs, and scholarships.
- Pole Emploi (www.pole-emploi.fr): This is the national employment agency in France, and provides job listings, career advice, and training opportunities.
- Leboncoin (www.leboncoin.fr): This is a popular online marketplace in France, where you can buy and sell secondhand items, find rental properties, and more.
- LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com): LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that is widely used in France. It can be a great resource for job seekers and professionals looking to expand their network.
- La Poste (www.laposte.fr): La Poste is the national postal service in France, and offers a range of services including mailing, shipping, and banking.
- Le Monde (www.lemonde.fr): Le Monde is one of the most respected newspapers in France, and covers national and international news, politics, and culture.
- Doctolib (www.doctolib.fr): This website allows you to book medical appointments with doctors and other healthcare professionals in France.
- Impots.gouv.fr (www.impots.gouv.fr): This is the website for the French tax authority, and provides information on filing taxes, paying taxes, and tax credits.
- France Visa website: (www.france-visas.gouv.fr/fr_FR/web/france-visas) Here you will find all the necessary information about different types of Visas and how to apply for them.
Is Learning French Necessary For Studies In France?
If you want to be a part of the French community, you definitely have to learn French.
While it is not always necessary to learn French for studies in France, it can certainly be helpful. Here are some factors to consider:
- Language of Instruction: Many universities in France offer programs taught in English, especially at the graduate level. However, undergraduate programs are often taught in French. So, if you plan to study at the undergraduate level in France, knowledge of French is typically required.
- Integration: Learning French can help you integrate better into French society and culture. It can make daily life easier, such as communicating with locals, navigating the city, and making friends.
- Job Opportunities: French is an important language in the job market, not just in France, but also in other French-speaking countries such as Canada, Switzerland, and Belgium. Knowledge of French can be an asset in the international job market.
- Cultural Understanding: Learning French can deepen your understanding of French culture, literature, and history. It can also help you appreciate the nuances of the language, which can be valuable in fields such as translation, interpretation, and diplomacy.
Find French Classes On Superprof!
If you want to master the Fench tongue, you need to get professional help via courses and a tutor. To get the best tutor, Superprof is the best platform for you. It does not matter if you want to study the spoken part or writing part of the tongue; you will get a tutor. Irrespective of the level of the language you want to learn, the tutors on the Superprof platform will tute you well.
Superprof is a modern-day platform that offers you a pool of tutors to choose from. Not only French but if you want to study other dialects, you can easily get a tutor. Along with choices comes the other features of the platform like the ability to check the teaching level of the tutor, their experience, achievements, etc.
If you are new to the platform and opting for a course, it is necessary for you to make sure that the teacher is good at teaching. For this, you can take a free class from the tutor. Each tutor of Superprof provides their first lecture free of cost. Use this feature to choose the best tutor for yourself.
With all these brilliant features, Superprof is a great platform for learning all types of languages and subjects. So, if you are one of those students planning to go abroad or a businessman planning to make international links, learning the French tongue will be highly beneficial for you. Learn more about it in the links mentioned throughout the article.
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