Culture Quiz - France

Written and prepared by Cultural Awareness International, Dallas

When new to a community in France, you should introduce yourself and get to know your new neighbors. (False)

The French guard their privacy and do not usually interact with their neighbors.

When a relationship is new, it is proper to refer to someone as "Monsieur" or "Madame" (Sir or Madame) rather than use first names. (True)

The French tend to be quite formal with strangers or new acquaintances. It would be considered insulting to automatically address someone by their first name unless they had given permission to do so. The same rule applies with the "tu" or "vous" form of speech. (Tu = You informal, Vous = You formal or You Plural).

France has a rigorous and demanding education system. (True)

Education is taken very seriously in France, with a literacy rate of 99%. A student's future can be determined by their intelligence and academic success.

The French do not show much interest in history and politics. (False)

Most French people are interested and well informed in their history and politics. When conversing with someone from a different culture, they usually are interested in knowing about that country's political situation, foreign policy, etc.

It is appropriate to keep a hand on your lap while you are dining. (False)

Never hide your hands under the table while dining. If you are not using both hands to hold your utensils, rest your wrist at the edge of the table next to your plate.

A service charge (gratuity) is usually included on your restaurant bill. (True)

A restaurant bill will usually include a service charge of 10 ‚ 15%. For very good service, additional change may be left on the table.

The Prime Minister is the executive leader of the French government. (False)

The executive leader of the French government is the President. The people elect him to a five-year term.

The French put a lot of emphasis on personal achievement and competition. (False)

Although important, they focus more on job security, social status, and being judged as an individual.

The French workplace is hierarchical. (True)

A boss does not like to have decisions second-guessed, especially in public.

The French respect the separation of business and personal issues. (True)

Work/life balance is very important to the French. Work and family don't mix. Family time, especially on weekends, is often prioritized. The French will often refuse to work on Saturdays and Sundays.