Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
living successfully outside of your birth culture, then you are
well on your way. If this is your i rst time in a foreign culture
with a foreign language, just keep reading.
Learning the second culture, like learning the second
language, is usually the hardest. It is humbling. You realise
that the way you think and behave is not something unique
in our personality, or generally accepted as polite or
reasonable among fellow humans. It is just something
your own momma taught you.
The Rooster
Too often one hears people say that they love France, but hate
the French. To them, we offer the retort of American Parisian and
Francophile, Gertrude Stein, “How can foreigners say they like France
but not the French? It's the French who made the France they like—
and it is the French who keep it that way.”
Everyone with a Western education knows something of the art,
history and politics of this country. It should come as no surprise that
the French are proud of their remarkable heritage. And they are not
ashamed to 'crow' about it.
The French even use the rooster as their national symbol. (This is
a very old play on words. Two thousand years ago, the Latin word for
France was Gaul , which also means rooster in Latin.) Not only does
the rooster crow loudly, he struts about, holding himself aloof from
the other animals in the barnyard. He considers himself superior to
all who neglect to challenge his authority. He is a bit laughable, but
he gets away with it by posturing.
The French readily admit their tendencies towards posturing
and self-promotion. They can't explain it, either. But you can't help
admiring the way they have successfully promoted their wines,
perfumes, fashion houses and aeronautics, even their country,
to the world. They are the fourth largest economy on the planet.
They know how to produce quality products and they know how to
market them.
They also know how to live. This topic is a toast to the French!
What makes one way of doing things 'correct' and another
quite similar way 'incorrect' changes with where you are.
The French have just as good reasons for doing it their way
as your momma had for doing her (and in turn, your way).
We usually take our way for granted so much we can't
even describe why we behave the way we do. But when you
enter another culture, wow. The rules change.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search