I was in France and when I tried my best French (which admittedly is not that great) all I got was an angry stare. Like, not one time, but in several cases. I did not understand why. I was just doing my best. 😢

So, I think the map is correct for France.

[–] stormdelay@sh.itjust.works 11 points 1 year ago (15 children)

Did you perhaps forget to say bonjour/excusez moi or other necessary greetings? That'll make people look angrily at you regardless of how good your french is

[–] SendMePhotos@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Wait those are necessary for social courtesy? Like you have to say, "hello" first?

[–] Miaou@jlai.lu 11 points 1 year ago (2 children)

In case you're not joking, yes, the French are extremely formal, and starting any interaction without a "hi" will get you weird looks. Main reason Americans think the French are assholes, I guess

[–] SendMePhotos@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago

Yeah... American here.. In my area, a greeting isn't necessary. It can be appreciated but isn't required. Even ending conversation without a closing is not uncommon. Spouse gets mad because people just hang up the phone when done instead of a proper goodbye.

[–] SubArcticTundra@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

Hahaha, the French sternness/politeness reminds me of over here in Czechia

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