Cultural Context In France

In France, the cultural context are categorized as HIGH CONTEXT society.

Based on the graph on the above, it shows that France falls into the high context society.

Cultural Context can be divided into few categories which are ASSOCIATION, INTERACTION, TEMPORALITY, LEARNING and TERRITORIALITY.

                                    Association :

In France , relationships are important. Relationships are build up slowly with trust.

How things get done depends on relationships with people and attention to group process.

                                    Interaction : 

In France nonverbal communication are highly used. Elements like  voice tone, facial expression, gestures, and eye movement carry significant parts of conversation. 

While in the opposite verbal message is indirect; one talks around the point and embellishes it.

Temporality :

In France everything has its own time. The time is not easily scheduled because needs of people may interfere with keeping to a set time but what is important is that activity gets done.

Punctuality is important in every country but it`s okay to be a few minutes late in France.

Learning :

In France the knowledge is embedded in the situation.

They usually relate situations that are connected, synthesized, and global.

Multiple sources of information are used. Thinking is deductive, proceeds from general to specific.  

  

Learning occurs by first observing others as a role model or demonstrate and then practicing what has been taught. Groups are preferred for learning and problem solving.  Accuracy is valued therefore how well something is learned is important.

Territoriality :

In France, space is communal which means that people stand close to each other and even share the same space.

This is to enhance their relationship when they communicate to each other.

Legal Ethics In France

The origins of the French legal system : 

That is laid out in a key document originally known as the Napoleonic code or Civil code which laid down the obligations and rights of citizens, and the laws of contract, inheritance and property, etc. The Civil Code remains the cornerstone of French law until now. Before that, it has been updated and extended many times to take account of changing society. There are other codes, like Penal code which defines criminal law.

The making of law :

Laws in France are like other democratic countries are generally proposed by the Government and it must be passed by the two houses of the French Parliament, which National Assembly and the Senate. It becomes law from the date on which it has been passed by Parliament, and signed by the President, and published in the Official Journal. Statutory instruments become law on signed by the minister and being published in the Journal Official. Publication in the electronic version of the Official Journal is sufficient.

The two branches of French law :

Unlike the others Western countries, France has a dual legal system; one branch, known as Public law, which defines as the principles of operation of the states and public bodies. This law is applied normally through public law courts. The other system known as private law, applies to private individuals and private bodies.

1. Private law - le droit privé 

Land law is administered through the judicial courts. There are two judicial channels, those dealing with civil litigation and those dealing with criminal offences :

• Basic civil litigation concerning private individuals is dealt with by a local court or by a departmental or regional court depending on the type of the case. The institutions known as "first degree courts" administered the commercial and business law.Appeals are heard in a Court of Appeal, a "second degree court". There is a fundamental right of appeal in all cases in France. In exceptional circumstances, judgements of the Appeal Court can be contested at the highest level, the French Supreme Court in matters of private law. 

• Everyday offences and petty criminal matters are generally dealt with either by a Local Magistrate or a Police Court; more serious matters will be referred to the criminal law equivalent of the Tribunal de Grande Instance (TGI). The most serious such as notably murder, rape and criminal offences, will be referred to an Assize court where they will tried by jury.

2. Public law - le droit public

In Administrative Courts, complaints or litigation concerning public officials in the exercise of their office. For example, universities or colleges are regularly taken to court over claimed irregularities in the system of exams. As in the private law system, appeals can be lodged in the Administrative appeals court. The Supreme Court for public law is the Council of State, the body finally responsible for determining the legality of administrative measures.

Social Customs In France

France is a famous country rich in various types of social customs for example French cuisine, family values in France, Relationships, and meeting, dining, table manners etiquette.

French Cuisine.

In France, there will be several courses in their meal such as

• Hors d’oeveres - known as appetizers 
• Fish course - served often in between appetizers and main course 
• Main course – served with meat and vegetables often with small side dishes
• Salads and Cheese – served after the sain course 
• Desserts – signal to end a casual meal which is usually served with coffee

Family Value In France.

Each member in a family has a certain duty and responsibilities to take care of the family . Extended family usually provides financial supports . France has a reputation for romance but they have a practical approach when it comes to marriage . Parents take their roles as a guardian for their children seriously and provide them with the essential needs for daily use .

Relationships.

French people are more to private type of people . They often have different rules towards their behavior to the people they know and to those they don’t know . French people are polite to one another but when it comes to friends and family, they are free to be themselves .

Meeting Etiquette.

The most common greeting in France is the handshake which is widely used. Greeting among friends is usually greeted by kissing lightly once on the left side and the right side of the cheeks. Each time when you enter a shop, you are expected to say bonjour and to say au revoir before leaving.

Dining Etiquette.

There are three golden rules when you are invited for dinner at someone’s place in France

• Always arrive on time. If you are running late, it’s appropriate to call the host and let them know 
• Always dress well since France is well known for their fashion sense. Arriving with shorts and t-shirts is usually not accepted 
• Always bring a small token of appreciation for the host such as chocolates, bottle of wine or flowers.

Manner Etiquette. 

Table manners in France are continental. The fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right hand while eating. If you are not finished eating your meal, you are required to put the fork crossover the knife on your plate. Elbows shouldn't be rest on the table although your hands should be visible and not on the lap. Lastly, finish everything on your plate.

formal way of arranging cutlery.

Social Customs In France

Social Customs In France!

There are many countries in this world, each and every one of them containing their own special social customs. The French especially, have their very own way when it comes to their very own social customs.

Greetings in France

In France, they greet people with high amount of formalities. When introduced, they start off by greeting them, example, "Good day sir." That greeting is then accompanied by a handshake, containing a single pump. In workplaces such as offices, the handshake is given to everyone upon arrival or departure. Greetings such as "Hi." or "Hello." are only given to close friends showing the amount of formalities in their culture.

Kisses in France

The French are very generous with kisses, but only to people they know. It isn't wise to kiss a stranger on their cheeks, but with the exception of children which are expected to be kissed upon introduction. If a woman is expecting a kiss, she would offer her cheeks. Women are seen to kiss both genders on the cheek, but as for men, they do not kiss with another with the same gender. The numbers of kisses given is depending on which part of France are you in. Kisses are given as a greeting and also upon departure. It is also a must to give everyone you can see a kiss on the cheek, no matter the gender, on New Year's Eve.

Gifts in France

An invitation to dinner from a French person is a good sign as it shows you 

have been accepted into the community. Small presents are expected to be brought such as flowers and chocolates. Foreign food and drinks aren't acceptable gifts to give, no matter how good the quality is, unless it is highly valuable in France such as whiskey. Some say that bringing wine isn't a wise decision as it implies that the person that invited you does not know how to choose a decent wine. As for flowers, you must be also choose the correct type of flower for the occasion as different flowers represent different meanings.

Dining in France

Dining in France is also very particular. Drinks shall not be served unless all guests have arrived, even if the guests are late. Drinks should not be self-poured when invited to dinner with the exception of water. When consuming alcohol, it is a wise decision to take in consideration on how much to drink as it is impolite to drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Before digging in, the French would say bon appétit, and you shouldn't start eating until the host does. It is also counted polite to finish off everything on the plate as it shows no wastage.

Conversations in France

The French loves detailed and interesting conversations, but there are also sensitive topics that should be avoided. The topic about money is highly avoided by the French. Asking someone you recently met about their job position is not a wise idea as it will give an indication on one's income. Food and drinks are the most common topics discussed among the French. The French do not raise their voice when talking to a person as it represents vulgarity. When conversing, the French tend to stand close, this may make you feel a little uncomfortable.

Gestures in France

The French and the Italians have very much in common in this particular area as they tend to talk with their hands, often more than they would with their mouth. This area may be hard to cover as it is quite complicated but there are a few tips that could be helpful. Pointing with the index finger is considered rude and should not be used. The way they count is also different as they use the thumb to count "one" as opposed to using the index finger. Rubbing your knuckle against your cheek shows a sign of boredom, shaking your hand up and down shows surprise, and tapping someone on their forearm on the opposite hand with your finger while raising your forearm shows that you are about to leave or leaving, but usually this gesture is only used when you're leaving out of boredom.

Dress codes in France

As you can see the French is mostly based on formalities, but as for the dress codes it is different. Even in work places, the dress code is extremely casual. Although, the French tend to judge people by the way they look, such as the style of dressing, the quality of the clothes, and how suitable it is for the occasion. 

Non-Verbal Communication In France

WHAT

is non-verbal communication? 

Have you ever realized how we wave our hands in odd directions when we are explaining something?

How we scrunch up our faces when we taste something of a different palette?

What about how our mothers place their hands on each side of their waist whenever they instruct us to do something?

Little do we realize, but all of us practice all these little habit which plays a really important role in daily conversations. Be it informal or formal. It is more effective than a speech, just like how the saying goes, "Action Speaks Louder Than Words."

All these absent-minded movements and gestures are wordless communication, and in fancy terms it would be Non-Verbal Communication.

So, what is the significance of non-verbal communication in France? 

Sit back, relax and let us enlighten you.

TYPES :

of non-verbal communication.

There are various types of non-verbal communication that are commonly practiced in France. The following cues the many different types of non-verbal communication that both you & I engage in absent-mindedly. 

BODY GESTURES :

Kissing :

In France, it is widely practiced for one to greet another with a kiss on the cheek. The French trade our regular hello and goodbyes handshakes to kisses on both cheeks. It is a norm to start off with the right cheek, and often there isn't a lip-to-cheek contact. 

Hand Movements :

In France, there are several hand movements that are oftenly used. Let the pictures do the talking.

The commonly used "OK" sign in America means the number ZERO in France.

For counting purposes, the thumb is the first counter and the index finger is two, followed by the middle finger which is three et cetera. 

By holding up a fist and holding up in front of the nose indicates that someone is drunk.

Using your index finger to pull the skin under your eye signifies, "I don't believe you." 

                                                                    And this,

                     means "Okay." 

PERSONAL APPEARANCE :

In France, it is very important to sit up & stand up straight. Children are constantly reminded to follow the procedures as it is known as a form of disrespect if one were to slouch.

Business Etiquette .. in France.

Conduction Business In France

Business Etiquette and Protocol in France.

Relationships & Communication 

• French business behavior stresses good manners and a degree of custom.
• Some common trust and respect is required to get things done.
• Trust is gained through proper behavior.
• If you do not speak French, an apology for not knowing their language may support in developing a relationship.
• Address others using ‘Monsieur’ or ‘Madame’ .Custom is highly recommended in France.
• The way a French person gives or exchange information is often predicated by their social status, education level, and which part of the country they were raised.
• Written communication is formal. Secretaries often schedule meetings and may be used to pass on information from your French business colleagues.

Business Meetings Etiquette 

• Appointments should be made at least 2 weeks ahead in time to be planned well.
• Appointments can be made by telephone or e-mail counting on the level of the person you are meeting.
• Appointments are usually scheduled and controlled by the secretary.
• If possible, try to not schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a average vacation period.
• If you expect to be late for the appointment, telephone right away and offer an explanation. Meetings are to talk over with another about issues, not to make conclusions. Be clear about your interest and your objective. Don't be afraid to voice out the need and to listen to the needs of others.

Business Negotiation 

• French business stresses good manners and a fair degree of custom.
• Wait to be told where to sit.
• Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.
• Be polite and mannerly at all times but not overly friendly upon first meeting French associates and avoid personal questions.
• Be aware of the volume of your voice. Do not speak or laugh too loudly.
• Be patient during negotiations.
• Business is conducted slowly. It is important to remember good deals take time.
• The French will carefully examine every detail of a suggestion, regardless of how minute.
• The French are often impressed with good debating skills that demonstrate a very smart grip of the situation and all the development.
• Never attempt to be overly friendly as this may be deduced as suspicious.
• The French generally isolate their business and personal lives.
• Discussions may be heated and intense.

Dress Etiquette 

• Business dress is understated and stylish.
• Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative formal suit and tie for the initial meeting and the need to be well presented. How you dress later is largely dependent upon the personality of the company with which you are conducting business.
• Women should wear either formal suit or elegant dresses in soft or light colours. • The French appearance is very important at all times.
• To the French, dress display social status or level of success.

Business Cards 

• Business cards are exchanged after the beginning introductions without formal tradition.
• Have the other side of your business card translated into French. Although not a business necessity, it displays an attention to detail that will be appreciated.
• Include any advanced learning degrees on your business card.
• French business cards are often a bit bigger than in many other countries.

Lunch is a serious business in France. Keep your hands where people can see them.

How to behave well in a business negotiation.