Chapeau to the authors who wrote such a well-done book! It was not an easy job, yet they did a superb analysis, it’s accurate and thorough. They don’t judge one side or the other; they present both perspectives (e.g. how the French and Americans think and why, how they see relationships, etc.). I laughed hard to some of the anecdotes.
I'd say it's a must read for expats, for any American married or dating a French person or who are friends, and for anyone taking French (knowing the culture is at least as important as knowing the language).
The first half is about personal stuff (self, family, school, friends, romance, work, religion, and the regions), it made me very nostalgic of my French culture. The chapter about the French society made me sad - still the same issues, maybe worsened.
The second half is about the workplace and doing business. It reminded me why I prefer working with Americans but I was raised and did all my schooling in France and I definitely think like a French! It was interesting to realize that.
The French are famously enigmatic: fiercely independent yet deeply romantic,conservative yet avant-garde, rational yet emotional. What is it, exactly, that makes the French so . . . French?
Written for anyone interacting with the French-tourists, businesspeople, international students, Francophiles-Au Contraire! offers a perceptive understanding of French cultural beliefs, assumptions and attitudes, along with practical advice on building strong personal and professional relationships with the French. Addressing issues like friendship, politics, work, education and romance, bilingual and bi cultural authors Asselin and Mastron draw upon their own experiences as consultants and trainers, as well as those of students and professionals, giving readers a complete-and compelling-look at French culture.
This revised edition of Au Contraire! includes updated information about France's changing social and political climate, advice for succeeding as an expat, information about the French educational system, overviews of France's diverse regions-and more.
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