Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
La Tchatche
and the
Engueulade
The French love a conversation, especially debating different points
of view, and they don't mind getting heated up about it either. But
la
tchatche
is what you will see most, especially in the shops—lengthy
discussion of the potential purchase at hand. The
engueulade
(bickering) is the next level of discussion, when either party feels
they have not been treated appropriately.
Not really an argument,
la tchatche
starts with a cool, neutral
approach. It is often used to establish the intentions and abilities of
both customer and client, and can lead to mutual respect and trust,
handled properly. It can also get very heated, but the goal is always
an airing of ideas.
I once watched a half hour's conversation in a bicycle shop
on the merits of two different bicycle tires. It was a very serious
discussion and they seemed to bicker about the silliest details about
each tire, even raising their voices over it. As I was waiting for the
shopkeeper's attention myself, I had to listen to all this and I became
a bit exasperated. But I waited my turn patiently and tried to pick up
as much of the French as I could.
Finally, the tire was chosen and purchased and my turn came.
The shopkeeper, an Englishman who has lived in France a long time,
apologised for keeping me waiting. I couldn't help wondering out
loud, in English, about the practicality of taking such a length of time
so many joules of energy to sell a single tire.
“Yes,” he agreed, a little frazzled himself, “but I wouldn't want him
to buy something without considering all the options.”
That's it in a nutshell. And from an Englishman!
MORAL: The French will usually want a thorough discussion
before proceeding.
The French shopper has i ne-tuned his or her skills to such
a degree that if I see a crowd of people at a shop or stall,
I get in the line. Even if I don't need chocolates or apples
or new dinnerware that particular day, I know I'm going to
get something rare in France: a bargain. Either that, or they
simply sell the best chocolates/apples/dinnerware in Paris
and it is a great value, no matter what the price is.
The only prices controlled in France are for basic bread
(
la baguette
) and pharmaceuticals. To get your bargain 'i x',
you might try the delightful discount 'dollar' shops all around
Paris, full of things you didn't need but can't resist buying
'just for fun'.
They'll get you, those magnii cent French retailers! You
WILL consume! Read on for some of the basic rules you
should know, if not follow.
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