14.04.a - Striving to Understand French Cultural Differences: The Thinking Francophile
How to improve your relations with French people by striving to understand cultural differences + a fabulously fascinating mini-series: Great Women of France + more reading
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1. Striving to Understand French Cultural Differences: The Thinking Francophile
In a conversation with a dear French friend this week, we were talking about a wide range of subjects which led me to say:
Although we all speak English, we’re all different due to the history and culture of each of our countries, even before we take into account the impact of our family environments. It wouldn’t hurt that we’re reminded of our various cultural difference from time to time to avoid misunderstandings.”
In the MyFrenchLife™ Global Community, as is the case with any group of people from various countries, I was reminded how important it is that, we individually and collectively take pause, acknowledge our differences, work to understand those differences better, and then hopefully gain a deeper respect for each other, no matter our nationality.
Today I’m thinking about the impact and importance of cultural differences.
And what first came to mind was the differences in communication styles between us (a group with two things in common - the love of France and speaking the English language) - is just one important cultural difference, but one which can derail formerly warm relationships in a blink.
We, in the MyFrenchLife™ community, for example, originate from many countries, yet we all speak English and seem to be culturally similar. Yet we are not the same! Our cultural history has not been the same. Our communication style is not the same, albeit mostly very close, but then... I feel that sometimes we forget these deep seated differences, and get lost in embracing the similarities and get busy enjoying making new connections.