15. Speaking softly

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15. Speaking softly

Updated January 21 2002

Whatever you talk about, remember to moderate your voice. Talking at normal volume in a shop or restaurant with friends, or anyone, will disturb others and will be considered very rude.

In a small French restaurant, where the tables are squeezed tightly together, anything approaching normal volume is too loud. The French love to talk, but they are extremely courteous of other peoples desire to do so in public places. Speak as though no one but your interceptor should be aware you are speaking. Although, their smoking, does not seem to bother ANYONE! And trust me , They ALL Smoke!

Our fellow countrymen speaking too loudly have embarrassed us all, especially if they are in a large group. We are all guilty of this. Having one or more of your own countrymen, along with you anywhere puts you into a little cultural “bubble” of your own. Suddenly, the rules of you own society apply, and not those of the culture around you.

Groups of tourists are conspicuous and usually unattractive everywhere because of the cultural insulation their numbers provide.

Try to remember that the French speak softly in public places, much lower than they would at home. As a consideration to others, moderate your voice. That is the golden rule of conversation in France.

We have the luxury of SPACE. Space that we so very much take for granted. This is not a luxury the French have come to know. Remember our houses are big, our land is huge, many of us, can actually escape to parts of our own homes where you can no longer hear the television in the Living room!