Email: nadege.preston@hotmail.com
Total Article : 82
About Me:Hi I’m Nadege and I study French at the University of Leeds, and I have just completed my third year abroad in Montpellier studying literature and enjoying the sunshine! I love art; painting and being creative, as well as photography and baking. Travelling is my favourite hobby at the moment; experiencing the French language and culture. I hope you enjoy reading some of my articles!
Here are the last of the pre-conceived ideas people have about the French population. I hope that after reading these, you will gain an accurate vision of what French people are truly like!
French people wear berets.
Although a typical element in French fancy dress, berets are not highly common in France but some people do wear them daily. For example some of my male lecturers used to arrive at University wearing a beret, a scarf and a briefcase in hand – such a French look. There are many hat shops around Montpellier, selling every possible hat under the sun! In my opinion, I think that scarves are a more common item of clothing in the colder months and every man will be wearing one! I found this particularly unusual as you would not see this in the UK, and I find men's fashion in France quite feminine as they will be wearing thin, patterned scarves.
The conclusion: True.
French toilets are disgusting.
Unfortunately, this statement could not be truer. I honestly have never come across a toilet in France where you don’t have to pay, which is clean and provides toilet paper. I was so shocked on my first day at University to find that the toilets are gender neutral, and that they are literally holes in the ground. Unless you are fit and healthy, I do not enjoy squatting over a hole in the ground when I go to the toilet. There are in fact only a couple of actual toilets in the whole of campus, and even then you are lucky to find toilet paper in the cubicle, or for the toilet to have a seat. Also, everything in France seems to be covered in graffiti which adds to the unpleasant toilet experience. I am therefore warning you if you ever come to France, bring loo roll or tissues with you at all times!
The conclusion: True.
French men are romantic.
As Paris is known for being the most romantic city in the world, I understand where this stereotype derives from. However, I do not think French men have any different qualities or are any more romantic. It has to be noted however, that French men are very forward! French men will tell you if they like you, and are very blunt and upfront about their feelings. This is a little strange to get to grips with, but if you are looking for a relationship, French men are great as they definitely are not shy about asking you on a date! Some may interpret this as passionate; some may agree that they are a little much!
The conclusion: False.
All French people smoke cigarettes.
As I do not smoke myself, and never have, I can’t help but find it shocking seeing how many French people smoke cigarettes. Studies have shown that nearly half of French people between 18 and 34 smoke which really isn’t surprising as I can honestly not walk anywhere without having cigarette smoke blown towards me. Smoking is the top cause for deaths in France, and the situation is only getting worse, with more and more people smoking every year. Compared to the standard price in England for a packet of cigarettes; £8.47, in France it is £5.47 (converted from euros) which is significantly less, and the main reason why French people are so open to sharing their cigarettes with the public. Personally, I have never noticed any health warnings about cigarette smoking on television, or on posters etc. Consequently, I do not understand why there hasn’t been a massive attempt to try and reduce the amount of smokers in France, as it is clearly a major health hazard.
The conclusion: True.
The French are bad drivers.
Knowing friends who drive in France on their year abroad, I can definitely say that French people have a carefree approach to driving. You really have to be on the ball, and it can be scary as French people never indicate on roundabouts, with many always being in the wrong lanes. I have certainly had a few scary moments being on the French roads, and although it depends what you define as ‘bad’, it is clear that the majority are not the best of drivers.
The conclusion: True.
IMAGE URL
http://www.aimhighenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cartoon-frenchman.jpg
0 Comment:
Be the first one to comment on this article.