THE STORY OF FRANCE

STREET OF PARIS

FRANCE, or its official name called FRENCH REPUBLIC, is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Europe. It is a well known country because of its reputation as a romantic country and also the capital, which is Paris, is known as the city of love. I believe that France is a dreamland for the lovebirds from all around the world to spend their times with love. So, before you travel to France, let’s learn some cultures of this beautiful country.




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 LANGUAGE 

The official language of France is French, which is by far the majority language, have been imposed on the regional populations since the 19^thcentury. However, today's France remains as a nation of numerous indigenous and foreign languages, of multiple ethnicities and religions, and of regional diversity. For your information, French is the fourth most widely spoken mother tongue in the European Union. Hence, in order to avoid awkward situation while communicate with French people, there are some basic words that you should know and learn it.

Hello/Good morning/afternoon  = Bonjour, (madame/monsieur)

Hello/Good evening  =  Bonsoir (madame/monsieur)

Thank you  =  Merci (madame/monsieur)

Please  =  S'ilvousplaît

Goodbye  =  Au revoir

Sorry  =  Désolé(e)
Do you speak English?  =  Est-cequevousparlezanglais?

I can't speak French [well]  =  Je ne parle pas [bien] français. (zhuhnuh PAHRL pah [byahng] frahng-SEH)

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 FOOD 

Traditional French culture places a high priority on the enjoyment of food. It plays a major role in the country's social life. Wine and cheese are the sources of national pride and reflect regional differences. Meals are ritualized, and full of social and cultural meaning. There are also political aspects to the meaning of food.The three main meals are le petit déjeuner (break-fast), le déjeuner (lunch), and le dîner (dinner). 

There are some foods and beverages that are quintessentially French. While you may find them all over the world, you will always associate these foods with France.

·           Coq au vin--(pronounced co co van) is a chicken frickasee cooked in red wine with mushrooms and sometimes garlic.

·      Crêpes--(pronounced crehp) is a very flat pancake typically stuffed with fruit or cream

    

        ·  Baguette--''(pronounced like it appears) is a long French bread loaf.

  

· Chocolate mousse--this lighter than air dessert originated in France.

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·  Éclair--(pronounced ay clair) is a pastry stuffed with cream and topped with icing

 

        


·      Crème Brûlée--(pronounced crehm broo   lay) is a custard topped with hard caramel.
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DINING & TABLE MANNER 

If you are invited to a French house for a dinner, there are a few things that you should follow.

 Ð  ARRIVE ON TIME. Under no circumferences should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained. It should be a manner that we must follow no matter where we are.

 Ð  DRESS WELL. The French are fashion conscious and their version of casual is not that relaxed as in many western countries.

 Ð  BON APPETIT. Do not begin eating until the hostess says ‘bon appetit’ [meaning: enjoy your meal]

 Ð  CONTINENTIAL STYLE OF TABLE MANNER. The fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.

 Ð  WHILE RESTING. If you haven’t finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the lap.

 Ð  DO NOT REST ELBOWS ON THE TABLE. Do not put your elbows on the table although your hands should be visible and not in your lap.

Р LEAVE YOUR WINE GLASS FULL. If you don’t want more, leave your wine glass nearly full.

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GIFT GIVING ETIQUETTE 

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Flowers should be given in odd numbers day but not 13,which is considered as unlucky.

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Some old French retain old-style prohibitions against receiving certain flowers. 

White lilies/chrysanthemums are used at funerals, red carnations as they symbolize 

bad will, any white flowers as they used it at weddings.

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The French appreciate their wines. So if you plan to give wine as present,
make sure that it is the highest quality that you can afford.

Ð

 Gifts are usually opened when received.

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Prepared by,

LIANG QIAN HUI 

[TANGELA]