When I first moved to France I was prepared for a different way of life - new traditions, another language and cultural values that all differed to my own. However, I never fully appreciated the hidden traps of the french social manner and etiquette, something which still proved occassionally difficult even after four months living in Paris. Knowing the basics can help ease the initial social aspect of college and help prevent you unintentionally offending someone! The following are things to watch out for:
- If you are friendly with a student in college, you greet them in the corridors using 'salut'. If you stop to chat, a handshake is usually added to compliment the greeting. If either you or the other student are female, then a kiss on each check is used instead of a handshake. Two men will typically shake hands although occassionally they may kiss each other also. When leaving, goodbye can be said as 'salut', 'ciao' or 'tout a l'heure' if you plan to meet again later.
- Professors are greeted with 'bonjour monsieur/madame' or 'bonsoir monsieur/madame', depending on the time of day. You never address your professor with their first name, monsieur or madame is the only apporved form here. When class is over, 'au revoir' will suffice if the professor is within earshot.
- When you enter any shop or business you must greet the person at the counter using 'bonjour/bonsoir' and say 'au revoir' again when leaving. Often a shop is part of the family home (they live upsatirs) and you have entered their home and so it is rude not to greet them when you come in the front door. This rule also applies in the college library, computer room etc (typically any room served by someone behind a counter/desk)
