Cultures

of France
Group Submitted to: Mrs. Marinel Piamonte
Members GPCOM Instructor
Garcia, Andro Fieldy Class Code:
1500
Apid, Jennifer
Gonzales, CJ Class Schedule:
TTH 1:00-2:30pm
Jabonillo, Zarina Aliana

Submitted on the 19th day of February, 2020

Preliminaries Requirement
2nd Semester
Perceptions

A. What are the perceptions of French People to Filipinos?

 They assume that the entire population of people in the Philippines are Christians.
 It implies to the fact that the Philippines is one of the few countries with
Christianity as one of its most dominant religions together with Mexico,
Russia, Germany and other countries.

 Spanish Culture has a great influence to the existing culture of the Filipinos since
the Philippines became a colony of Spain for 300 Years.

 Culture not just limited to the religion but also to other aspects such as:
 Cuisine-Maiz con Hielo, Menudo, Chicharon, Espasol, Dulce de
Leche, Relleno, Quezo de Bola, Polvoron, Arroz Caldo
 Festivities-Noche Buena(Christmas Eve), Todos Los Santos(All Saints’
Day)
 Provincial/Town/City Names-Nueva Segovia, Valle de Compostela,
La Union, La Trinidad, Lucena, Los Banos
 Language-Alcalde(Mayor), Uno(1), Dos(2), Tres(3), otsenta (80),
singkwenta(50), viernes (Friday), guapo (handsome)

 Even the name of the country Philippines originated from the name of the
former King of Spain named “King Philip II”

B. What are the perceptions of the Filipinos to French People?

 Filipinos think that the French people are often rich and has a high standard of
living

 It is true that France is one of the most developed country not only in
Europe but in the entire world but the main reason for this conception is
the famous landmark, Eiffel Tower in Paris located in France is a dream
destination of the Filipinos.

 French people are erotic.

 Erotic is defined as the sexual excitement. Filipinos think that French

people are sweet and erotic because of the version of kissing called
“French Kiss”
Differences
France
 French people communicate
formally. Thus, when a person is
communicating with French
people, language, gestures and
expression must be considered.
From the communication style,
communicating with French people
appears as unfriendly, strict,
organized and professional
because social status must always
be considered. However, beneath
the way French people
communicate, there are hidden
complicated interpersonal
relationship. Importantly, if a person
is not fluent French speaker, then,
English is better to be used to avoid
misunderstanding.
 France are diplomatically
communicate in a direct way. This is
due to the country’s high degree of
individualistic, which people tend to
speak directly of what they think
and feel. Also, they value less about
the ‘face’ of their communication
partner. French language can
clearly explain the directness and
formal style of communication of
French people. They also express
their emotions directly.
 For French people, the first
impression is important; therefore,
the verbal and non-verbal
communication matters must be
considered.
 “Okay” sign with your hand is
considered as “worthless” or “zero”
for French people
 Facial expression - French people
do not express their feelings and
Philippines
 Filipino, which is largely-based on
Tagalog, is the national language.
English is also widely spoken by
most Filipinos. The medium of
instruction in most school is English.
Media is mostly in Tagalog and
English so it is not surprising that
most Filipinos can speak English. It is
easy for Filipinos to strike a
conversation with any one even if
they tend to be shy.
 Filipinos are a very hospitable and
friendly people. They always smile
no matter how they feel.
 Filipinos are fond of non-verbal
communications. They use hand
gestures, pursing of lips, raising of
eyebrows and their eyes to
communicate. They are less
dependent on spoken words. They
have a sharp intuitive sense (called
“pakiramdam”) for what is implied
and not stated. Even their smile has
various meanings. A smile is not
always meant to convey happiness
but can mask embarrassment,
nervousness of feelings of insecurity.
If they do not want to respond to a
question, they may just smile.
 A respectful way of addressing an
elder (someone older or one with a
high and respected position in
society) is to say “po” (formal) or
“ho” (informal) at the end of the
sentence. Parents and other elders
are never addressed on a first
name basis.
 When responding to a request or a
favour, Filipinos generally struggle
 emotions through their facial
expression. This is because French
people are conservative thus, this
kind of non-verbal practice is
considered as rude.
o For example, in the case of
smiling. French people only
smile when it is necessary to
smile because smiling for no
reason is considered as rude
manner.
 Looking into the communication
partner is marked as a good
manner. If a communication
partner do not look into the French
partner’s eyes, there could be a
misinterpretation that the person
who is speaking, is looking down on
him or her. However, staring is
forbidden because it considers as
impolite and inappropriate.
 Debating: The French generally
dislike public disagreements or
disputes, but enjoy a controlled
debate. Logic will often dominate
their arguments and many French
people tend to extensively analyze
the matter under discussion. They
may recognise something illogical
said by the opposition, and
informed rebuttal is generally
appreciated.
 Compliments: Compliments are
often appreciated, but will usually
be received by humble denial
instead of a ‘thank you’.
 Formality: In French, there are
different forms of expression that
indicate the level of courtesy and
formality. The polite form of speech
is to address people in the formal
form of ‘you’ (known as ‘vous’). The
with saying “no” for fear of hurting
other people’s feelings. Instead
they may convey the diplomatic
response of “maybe” even if they
actually mean “no”.
 Handshake is acceptable for both
male and female except for Muslim
women. So do not be offended if
women do not accept your
handshake. They may just smile or
vow their head as an
acknowledgement.
 Most Filipinos have nicknames,
which they use in the work-place
but it is advisable to refer to them
more formally with their office title,
such as Director, Attorney, and
others.
 In the work place, a lot of acronyms
are used, so familiarity with
acronyms will also be useful. Filipinos
have a unique sense of humour.
They are able to laugh or make
jokes, in good or bad times. They
can even laugh at their own
mistakes.
 The use of cell phone is the number
one means of communication in
the Philippines. It is not uncommon
to see someone texting while in
meetings. You can require that cell
phones be turned off during
meetings (just like in the churches).
 Filipinos often communicate
indirectly in order to prevent a loss
of {face} and evoking hiya on either
side of an exchange. They tend to
avoid interrupting others and are
more attentive to posture,
expression and tone of voice to
draw meaning. Speech is often
ambiguous and Filipinos may speak
in the passive voice rather than the
 informal address known as ‘tu’ is active to avoid being perceived as
used in a variety of contexts. speaking harshly. To find the
Generally, it is considered underlying meaning, it is common
disrespectful to use ‘tu’ when first to check for clarification several
meeting someone, if someone is times.
older, or if someone is of higher
social status. It is also common in
Francophone countries.  Filipinos may point to objects by
puckering their lips and moving
their mouths in the direction they
 Humour: The French tend not to tell are pointing to.
punchline jokes. They prefer witty,
satirical and ironic humour.
Humourous stories of real-life
situations are appreciated as well
as self-deprecating humour.

Unacceptable Behaviors

1. Do not show an "ok" symbol or gesture because french people would interpret it as
"worthless" and it is considered offensive. Use "thumbs up" instead.

2. Don't be picky about your food in a restaurant. Never assume your food order can
be separated into component parts. These is seen as an insulting behaviour.

3. Not greeting the waiters, colleagues or even when entering cafes, supermarkets, lift,
and other places is very unacceptable and rude. Greeting is mandatory to them.
French people value courtesy and politeness.

4. Using slang term such as calling them "frog people" because of stereotype. French
are believed to enjoy eating frogs.

Similarities

Each country has different unique characteristics, which serves as their

trademark from each other. The way people behave, think, and speak describe who
they are. We Filipinos have enormous number of unique characteristics, like every time
we go home we first held our parents hands or whoever older than us. When there is
salo-salo, we give out food to our neighbours. Other countries have these too, like
France. On the other hand, we have also to theirs. The first example is the way we
behave. The similarity among the behaviour of Filipinos and French Citizens is the hobby
of saying “hello” and “goodbye” to start and end a conversation. It is necessary to say
these words because it is a sign of showing respect to others. Just like us, Filipinos,
greetings are also offered by handshakes and kissing on both cheeks.
 By further thinking on both views and sides when it comes to dealing with human
rights, we almost have the same law on protecting our rights, such as abolishing death
penalty. It is by making a campaign that promotes human dignity “that no one shall be
sentenced to death”. And also they have protection for women and children here in
the Philippines. We all know that this case is rampant in our country and also in France is
in this campaign. French District (2018).

Peculiar Practices

1) French people think negatively at all times

 For some reason, the French are negative most of the time. As an example, if you
are out to propose a project, expect your French audience to enumerate all the
potential risks and problems that your proposal may encounter. Another
example is that in case you got an A- in your exam, expect to be asked, “why
not A+?,” instead of getting a pat on the back. The reason behind this is that the
French consider being positive to be a bad thing and ignoring the negatives
involved is just naïve. One other explanation for the negativity is that the French
believe that seeing the defects first is a sign of competence and intelligence. So
when dealing with the French, expect to be criticized for it is a good thing, and if
you get praised, then that is just weird.

2) Newly married couples are accompanied by cars with screeching horns

 Sit by a town hall anywhere in France on a Saturday afternoon and you’re liable
to see a procession of newlyweds, fresh from their mandatory civil ceremony with
the mayor. As they pull away in their wedding car together, flushed with pride
and eager to get on with their new life together, they are serenaded by the
almighty racket of a hundred honking car horns. The wedding party usually gets
it going but the whole town soon gets involved. It’s thought the tradition is rooted
in charivari, a musical form of social coercion by which unwed couples were
humiliated into marriage.

References

Central Intelligence Agency. (2017). The World Factbook: France. Retrieved

from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-
factbook/geos/fr.html.

COMMISCEO Global. (2016). France Guide. Retrieved from http://www.commisceo-

global.com/country-guides/france-guide.

Culture Crossing Guide. (2014). France. Retrieved

from http://guide.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student.php?id=71.

Department of Home Affairs. (2019). France-born: Community Information

Summary. Retrieved from https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/mca/files/2016-cis-
france.PDF