Media Alternative<\/span><\/h2>\r\nListen to the audio clips that follow on this page to hear the French pronunciation of vocabulary and examples presented.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nOn d\u00e9couvre !<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nFrancophonie<\/h3>\r\n
Explorez le monde francophone\u00a0en visitant ces sites\u00a0:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n \t- Les chiffres de la francophonie<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- 88 Etats et gouvernements<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Le monde de la francphonie<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- L\u2019OIF en chiffres<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Nous nous informons en fran\u00e7ais<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- La francophonie en chiffres<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- La francophonie (quiz)<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- La francophonie (learning apps)<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Les francophones des Am\u00e9riques<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
Ressources suppl\u00e9mentaires<\/span><\/h4>\r\nHere is a map of the member states and countries of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/human.libretexts.org\/@api\/deki\/files\/63201\/French_bise.jpg?revision=1&size=bestfit&width=290&height=232\")
<\/p>\r\n
\"FR Society 35: French Kiss\"<\/a> by francisco_osorio<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPoints Culturels<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nGreetings in French<\/h4>\r\n
Cultural practices differ in French-speaking countries regarding greetings. In France, it is common to say 'Bonjour<\/strong>' and 'Au revoir<\/strong>' when entering small shops, independently owned medical practices and offices to greet employees, customers or patients. At work, such greetings are common with professional acquaintances we often see but don't really start a conversation with.<\/p>\r\nWith people we know a bit better such as colleagues, neighbors, friends, or family members, it is customary to add a gesture such as the kisses on the cheeks 'la bise' or a handshake. 'Se faire la bise<\/strong>' is a cultural gesture that has a few rules to observe: the number of kisses<\/a> (2, 3, 4) and the side to start<\/a> (right or left) will depend on each region.<\/p>\r\nAs a French custom, one has to remember that it is not a true kiss on the cheek but more of an 'air' kiss where the cheeks touch while each person makes a smacking sound. This custom is practiced across gender, age, and social groups. When in doubt, follow your peers, or the other person's lead, and keep in mind that it is safer for professional acquaintances to use handshakes as there are more untold norms to respect such as rank and the 'culture' of each business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nTu vs Vous<\/h4>\r\n
Addressing someone in French-speaking countries can be challenging as it entails using Tu <\/strong>(informal you) for interactions between family, friends, peers or Vous<\/strong> (formal you) in everyday life with professional colleagues, acquaintances and service employees. To be safe consider using the formal Vous<\/strong> when meeting new people and follow your French interlocutor's lead who will invite you to use Tu<\/strong> to break the ice if appropriate.<\/p>\r\nWith each new interaction, gaging the inherent social norms between Tu<\/strong> or Vous<\/strong><\/a> will become easier.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nUn regard, un sourire ?<\/h4>\r\n
In everyday life while in public spaces, walking in the streets or taking public transportation (bus, metro, tramway), it is noteworthy to mention that French people avoid eye contact with strangers, do not smile nor say 'Bonjour' to people they do not intend to start a conversation with. For Americans, it is a common gesture. This French cultural difference reflects how strangers respect others' personal space even in crowded locations. Choosing to make eye contact is a sign that a person wants to start a conversation to ask for help or information which is totally acceptable to do too.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nOn pratique !<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nActivit\u00e9\u00a0A<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nSearch the web for the information in order to respond to the following questions:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n \t- Combien de personnes parlent le fran\u00e7ais dans le monde ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- On parle fran\u00e7ais sur combien de continents ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Il y a combien de pays francophones en Europe ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Qu\u2019est-ce que l\u2019OIF ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Nommez 1 pays en Asie o\u00f9 on parle fran\u00e7ais.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Nommez 3 pays en Afrique o\u00f9 on parle fran\u00e7ais.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Des Francophones c\u00e9l\u00e8bres : can you name at least 2 famous Francophone people (writers, poets, politicians, singers, actors, actresses, etc.)<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
Activit\u00e9 B<\/h3>\r\nLa bise. First, watch this video to learn how to do the\u00a0bise<\/strong><\/a>. Then, look at this map of number of bises\u00a0<\/strong>per region in France<\/a>. Finally, answer the questions below.\r\n\r\n \t- When you kiss someone on the cheek, should you really kiss their cheek?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Should you make a kissing sound when doing\u00a0la bise<\/strong>?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Is eye contact important?<\/li>\r\n \t
- How many times should you kiss on the cheek if you are in the north of France?<\/li>\r\n \t
- How many\u00a0bises\u00a0<\/strong>do they do in the eastern region, near the border of Switzerland?<\/li>\r\n \t
- How many\u00a0bises\u00a0<\/strong>should you do if you are in Paris?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
On approfondit !<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
On d\u00e9couvre !<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nFrancophonie<\/h3>\r\n
Explorez le monde francophone\u00a0en visitant ces sites\u00a0:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n \t- Les chiffres de la francophonie<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- 88 Etats et gouvernements<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Le monde de la francphonie<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- L\u2019OIF en chiffres<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Nous nous informons en fran\u00e7ais<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- La francophonie en chiffres<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- La francophonie (quiz)<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- La francophonie (learning apps)<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Les francophones des Am\u00e9riques<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
Ressources suppl\u00e9mentaires<\/span><\/h4>\r\nHere is a map of the member states and countries of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\"FR Society 35: French Kiss\"<\/a> by francisco_osorio<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPoints Culturels<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nGreetings in French<\/h4>\r\n
Cultural practices differ in French-speaking countries regarding greetings. In France, it is common to say 'Bonjour<\/strong>' and 'Au revoir<\/strong>' when entering small shops, independently owned medical practices and offices to greet employees, customers or patients. At work, such greetings are common with professional acquaintances we often see but don't really start a conversation with.<\/p>\r\nWith people we know a bit better such as colleagues, neighbors, friends, or family members, it is customary to add a gesture such as the kisses on the cheeks 'la bise' or a handshake. 'Se faire la bise<\/strong>' is a cultural gesture that has a few rules to observe: the number of kisses<\/a> (2, 3, 4) and the side to start<\/a> (right or left) will depend on each region.<\/p>\r\nAs a French custom, one has to remember that it is not a true kiss on the cheek but more of an 'air' kiss where the cheeks touch while each person makes a smacking sound. This custom is practiced across gender, age, and social groups. When in doubt, follow your peers, or the other person's lead, and keep in mind that it is safer for professional acquaintances to use handshakes as there are more untold norms to respect such as rank and the 'culture' of each business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nTu vs Vous<\/h4>\r\n
Addressing someone in French-speaking countries can be challenging as it entails using Tu <\/strong>(informal you) for interactions between family, friends, peers or Vous<\/strong> (formal you) in everyday life with professional colleagues, acquaintances and service employees. To be safe consider using the formal Vous<\/strong> when meeting new people and follow your French interlocutor's lead who will invite you to use Tu<\/strong> to break the ice if appropriate.<\/p>\r\nWith each new interaction, gaging the inherent social norms between Tu<\/strong> or Vous<\/strong><\/a> will become easier.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nUn regard, un sourire ?<\/h4>\r\n
In everyday life while in public spaces, walking in the streets or taking public transportation (bus, metro, tramway), it is noteworthy to mention that French people avoid eye contact with strangers, do not smile nor say 'Bonjour' to people they do not intend to start a conversation with. For Americans, it is a common gesture. This French cultural difference reflects how strangers respect others' personal space even in crowded locations. Choosing to make eye contact is a sign that a person wants to start a conversation to ask for help or information which is totally acceptable to do too.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nOn pratique !<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nActivit\u00e9\u00a0A<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nSearch the web for the information in order to respond to the following questions:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n \t- Combien de personnes parlent le fran\u00e7ais dans le monde ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- On parle fran\u00e7ais sur combien de continents ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Il y a combien de pays francophones en Europe ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Qu\u2019est-ce que l\u2019OIF ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Nommez 1 pays en Asie o\u00f9 on parle fran\u00e7ais.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Nommez 3 pays en Afrique o\u00f9 on parle fran\u00e7ais.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Des Francophones c\u00e9l\u00e8bres : can you name at least 2 famous Francophone people (writers, poets, politicians, singers, actors, actresses, etc.)<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
Activit\u00e9 B<\/h3>\r\nLa bise. First, watch this video to learn how to do the\u00a0bise<\/strong><\/a>. Then, look at this map of number of bises\u00a0<\/strong>per region in France<\/a>. Finally, answer the questions below.\r\n\r\n \t- When you kiss someone on the cheek, should you really kiss their cheek?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Should you make a kissing sound when doing\u00a0la bise<\/strong>?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Is eye contact important?<\/li>\r\n \t
- How many times should you kiss on the cheek if you are in the north of France?<\/li>\r\n \t
- How many\u00a0bises\u00a0<\/strong>do they do in the eastern region, near the border of Switzerland?<\/li>\r\n \t
- How many\u00a0bises\u00a0<\/strong>should you do if you are in Paris?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
On approfondit !<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
Francophonie<\/h3>\r\n
Explorez le monde francophone\u00a0en visitant ces sites\u00a0:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Les chiffres de la francophonie<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- 88 Etats et gouvernements<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Le monde de la francphonie<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- L\u2019OIF en chiffres<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Nous nous informons en fran\u00e7ais<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- La francophonie en chiffres<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- La francophonie (quiz)<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- La francophonie (learning apps)<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Les francophones des Am\u00e9riques<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nRessources suppl\u00e9mentaires<\/span><\/h4>\r\nHere is a map of the member states and countries of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\"FR Society 35: French Kiss\"<\/a> by francisco_osorio<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nPoints Culturels<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nGreetings in French<\/h4>\r\n
Cultural practices differ in French-speaking countries regarding greetings. In France, it is common to say 'Bonjour<\/strong>' and 'Au revoir<\/strong>' when entering small shops, independently owned medical practices and offices to greet employees, customers or patients. At work, such greetings are common with professional acquaintances we often see but don't really start a conversation with.<\/p>\r\n
With people we know a bit better such as colleagues, neighbors, friends, or family members, it is customary to add a gesture such as the kisses on the cheeks 'la bise' or a handshake. 'Se faire la bise<\/strong>' is a cultural gesture that has a few rules to observe: the number of kisses<\/a> (2, 3, 4) and the side to start<\/a> (right or left) will depend on each region.<\/p>\r\n
As a French custom, one has to remember that it is not a true kiss on the cheek but more of an 'air' kiss where the cheeks touch while each person makes a smacking sound. This custom is practiced across gender, age, and social groups. When in doubt, follow your peers, or the other person's lead, and keep in mind that it is safer for professional acquaintances to use handshakes as there are more untold norms to respect such as rank and the 'culture' of each business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nTu vs Vous<\/h4>\r\n
Addressing someone in French-speaking countries can be challenging as it entails using Tu <\/strong>(informal you) for interactions between family, friends, peers or Vous<\/strong> (formal you) in everyday life with professional colleagues, acquaintances and service employees. To be safe consider using the formal Vous<\/strong> when meeting new people and follow your French interlocutor's lead who will invite you to use Tu<\/strong> to break the ice if appropriate.<\/p>\r\n
With each new interaction, gaging the inherent social norms between Tu<\/strong> or Vous<\/strong><\/a> will become easier.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nUn regard, un sourire ?<\/h4>\r\n
In everyday life while in public spaces, walking in the streets or taking public transportation (bus, metro, tramway), it is noteworthy to mention that French people avoid eye contact with strangers, do not smile nor say 'Bonjour' to people they do not intend to start a conversation with. For Americans, it is a common gesture. This French cultural difference reflects how strangers respect others' personal space even in crowded locations. Choosing to make eye contact is a sign that a person wants to start a conversation to ask for help or information which is totally acceptable to do too.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nOn pratique !<\/h2>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nActivit\u00e9\u00a0A<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Search the web for the information in order to respond to the following questions:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Combien de personnes parlent le fran\u00e7ais dans le monde ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- On parle fran\u00e7ais sur combien de continents ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Il y a combien de pays francophones en Europe ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Qu\u2019est-ce que l\u2019OIF ?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Nommez 1 pays en Asie o\u00f9 on parle fran\u00e7ais.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Nommez 3 pays en Afrique o\u00f9 on parle fran\u00e7ais.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Des Francophones c\u00e9l\u00e8bres : can you name at least 2 famous Francophone people (writers, poets, politicians, singers, actors, actresses, etc.)<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
Activit\u00e9 B<\/h3>\r\nLa bise. First, watch this video to learn how to do the\u00a0bise<\/strong><\/a>. Then, look at this map of number of bises\u00a0<\/strong>per region in France<\/a>. Finally, answer the questions below.\r\n
- \r\n \t
- When you kiss someone on the cheek, should you really kiss their cheek?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Should you make a kissing sound when doing\u00a0la bise<\/strong>?<\/li>\r\n \t
- Is eye contact important?<\/li>\r\n \t
- How many times should you kiss on the cheek if you are in the north of France?<\/li>\r\n \t
- How many\u00a0bises\u00a0<\/strong>do they do in the eastern region, near the border of Switzerland?<\/li>\r\n \t
- How many\u00a0bises\u00a0<\/strong>should you do if you are in Paris?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\nOn approfondit !<\/h2>\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
- 88 Etats et gouvernements<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t