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That assumes rather a sweeping statement, but there is some truth behind it, as also is the converse. It's more true for continentals than in the UK, and I thi

That assumes rather a sweeping statement, but there is some truth behind it, as also is the converse. It's more true for continentals than in the UK, and I think it is the result simply of cultural expectations. I used to live in Paris, and recall a Parisien almost shrivel with embarrassment when approached by an American shouting "Hey buddy! Where's the Loove?" (in English). Had the guy asked quietly "excusem moir Monsewer, je ne parl pas francias, but could you please tell me the way to the Loove", they would have received a detailed response in English. American informality is viewed by Americans as "just being friendly", but by the French as rudeness. That the French then avoid Americans so as not to expose themselves to that rudeness is seen by the Americans as rudeness, and so the cycle continues. When in Rome etc.

nobody9999 3y ago
>I used to live in Paris, and recall a Parisien almost shrivel with embarrassment when approached by an American shouting "Hey buddy! Where's the Loove?" (in English). Had the guy asked quietly "excusem moir Monsewer, je ne parl pas francias, but could you please tell me the way to the Loove", As an American, when I visited Paris, I had many interactions just as you described (not the loud shouting in English, but the kindness of Parisians despite my ignorance of their language), and my experience there made it my favorite European city and one I will hopefully return to again and again. And even those who didn't speak English were patient with me as I tried (not always successfully) to parse their French. It was a humbling experience and one that helped me to fall in love with Paris.
- jjgreen 3y ago
  It is glorious, must get back there ... The English kind-of fall in the middle in terms of informality, less informal than the Americans so don't freak-out the French, and not so alarmed by Americans: quite a nice place to be (culturally). Don't get me wrong, I like American informality, the first time you meet an American they'll invite you back to their house and tell you all about their family; the French wouldn't dream of doing that, "Suppose our house is much smaller than theirs, they would be embarrassed, or much larger, and they'd think we're showing off", but once you've known them for 6 months or a year they will, and then you're a friend for life.

nobody9999 3y ago

>I used to live in Paris, and recall a Parisien almost shrivel with embarrassment when approached by an American shouting "Hey buddy! Where's the Loove?" (in English). Had the guy asked quietly "excusem moir Monsewer, je ne parl pas francias, but could you please tell me the way to the Loove", As an American, when I visited Paris, I had many interactions just as you described (not the loud shouting in English, but the kindness of Parisians despite my ignorance of their language), and my experience there made it my favorite European city and one I will hopefully return to again and again. And even those who didn't speak English were patient with me as I tried (not always successfully) to parse their French. It was a humbling experience and one that helped me to fall in love with Paris.

jjgreen 3y ago
It is glorious, must get back there ... The English kind-of fall in the middle in terms of informality, less informal than the Americans so don't freak-out the French, and not so alarmed by Americans: quite a nice place to be (culturally). Don't get me wrong, I like American informality, the first time you meet an American they'll invite you back to their house and tell you all about their family; the French wouldn't dream of doing that, "Suppose our house is much smaller than theirs, they would be embarrassed, or much larger, and they'd think we're showing off", but once you've known them for 6 months or a year they will, and then you're a friend for life.