Unit 2 Peer Review DRAFT

 Interactions between French and Americans can be influenced by cultural differences, social norms, and communication styles. 

Communication style: 

• French interactions can be more formal and indirect. Politeness and respect for hierarchy are often emphasized, and communication may involve subtlety and nuance.

• American interactions tend to be more direct and informal. Americans often value straightforward communication and may prioritize clarity over formality.

Greetings:

• In France, greetings often involve a kiss on each cheek or a handshake, and titles and surnames are commonly used.

• In the United States, handshakes are the standard form of greeting, and first names are frequently used.

Formality and Politeness:

• French tends to have a more formal and polite tone built into its linguistic structure. There are formal and informal ways of addressing people, and politeness is often conveyed through verb forms and pronoun usage.

• English can be formal or informal, but it typically relies less on grammatical markers of politeness, and formality is often conveyed through word choice and tone.

Dining Etiquette:

• French dining is often a formal and social affair, with multiple courses and an emphasis on savoring the meal and conversation.

• In France, it is customary to use your left hand for the fork and your right hand for the knife when eating. Avoid using your fingers to handle food, and keep bread on the table rather than on a plate. Place both hands and wrists on the table at all times, but refrain from resting your elbows on it.

• American dining can be more casual, with an emphasis on efficiency and informality and just overall enjoying the meal.

Hierarchy:

• French hierarchy or those of authoritative position are treated with ultimate respect, and formal language is present, rather than informal conversation language.

• In American authoritative settings, there is often a more egalitarian approach, and colleagues may use first names and engage in informal conversations alongside formal business meetings.

Both cultures are present in my identity. It is important to understand that this language/cultural barrier often creates misconceptions or poor outlooks on the opposing culture due to not understanding their communication style. Remaining patient and optimistic while speaking to not only a French citizen, but any other civilian across the globe will commonly come from different views and values. Instead of attacking each other on our differences, we should embrace them, and understand that not everyone is literate in all cultures, social norms, or communication styles.