The Typical Frenchman

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 clichés 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 65 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 country filled with traditions. Here is more information on these French traditions.