When I am talking to a French person, be it in French or in English, the predominant issue I am dealing with is of course language barrier. Most French people know some English, but there are inevitably miscommunications on one side or the other. Recently, however, as I grow more comfortable with dealing with translation errors and communication difficulties, I have begun to suspect that French conversation style differs from American methods of communication. Last week I had the chance to compare American and French styles of conversation in real time, so to speak.I met up with a French friend for a drink. Shortly after we arrived, an older American couple sidled up to the bar and ordered in English. I immediately struck up a conversation, and as it turns out the two are from Portland and are in Paris for Christmas. Within moments, we were shaking hands and exchanging names. Throughout this, my French friend was at the other end of the bar, yelling at the futbol match on the TV. He came over and joined into the conversation, having missed out on the ritualistic shaking of hands and exchanging of names, and the four of us chatted for a bit. After a while the couple decided to head out. I shoke hands with them one last name, but my friend insisted on performing the French bises, one kiss on each cheek, to the confusion of the Oregonians. End Scene.
So there are a couple important things to know when one is conversing with French people. First, don't expect formal introductions. When two strangers meet, conversation materializes out of nowhere and can dissolve just as quickly. Second, and perhaps most disconcerting to me, is that an exchange of names seems to be considered unnecessary. I have had lengthy conversations with French people without ever knowing their names. This is fine, I suppose, until I try to get their attention later and all I can think to do is yell "Hey you!!!" across the room. Third, bises come when one is leaving and arriving; shaking hands is either for business transactions or dealing with Americans and English people. (Speaking of which, French people cannot tell American accents from British accents! This comes in very handy when I am trying to get into museums for free and pretend to be a member of the UK.) Fourth, be ready to talk about futbol. Lags in conversation are inevitably filled with discussion about the latest match. If you don't know anything about soccer, do some research before attempting conversation with a French person.
So there you have it. Go forth and meet French people!
It is snowing in Paris and Christmas is on its way!