Can one really talk in terms of 'typical' when
considering a country in the era of globalization, where borders
are fading and becoming less distinct as immigration and the
mass media continue to grow?
In today's world, the prevalent factor
is diversity. France doesn't exactly have what you would
call a homogeneous culture: food, customs and traditions
vary from region to region.
Besides, the growing number of immigrants
that have set foot in this country during the last few decades
have enriched and broadened French society, which is thus
more and more heterogeneous.
By sidestepping the
cliches that are usually used to characterize the 'Typical
Frenchman (sporting a moustache, beret and stripy shirt, carrying
a few baguettes under the arm along with some good wine cheese
and very intolerant of foreigners who just don’t know
how to pronounce correctly in French!), we can try reaching
a more realistic image of a population that numbers over 61
million to date.
The French, contrary to popular
belief, aren’t all nasal and rude to foreigners. As
the myth goes, those of you who don’t pronounce quite
the right way will earn you a look of contempt, however
this simply isn’t true. While it is greatly appreciated
by the French if you make an effort to speak their language,
they are generally friendly when helping out tourists and
visitors. The French also know how to have a hearty laugh
and enjoy parts of their days at typical street cafes as
the hustle and bustle of the city continues. It is extremely
difficult to explain in so few a words just how diverse
today's France really is.
If you are looking for characteristics
that broadly describe all inhabitants, it may be worthwhile
mentioning our passion for good conversation, a slight obsession
for food and cuisine and the mass consumption of the beverage
that absolutely cannot be missing from any French table:
wine.
France is still a county filled with traditions;
Here is more information on these French
traditions.
