French culture

A culture is a very important part of a society and is defined by Edward B. Tylor as: “A complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society”. I will attempt to distinguish the main cultural beliefs in French society while comparing it to our society as well. I spent 6 months in France, where I lived with a host family and learned a lot about their culture.

What I couldn’t help but notice while on my exchange was that the French people were closer to each other physically. When they great each other, even strangers, it is with one, two, three, four or even five kisses on the cheek depending on what region you are in. It was quite a surprise to me coming up to people and kissing them because our Canadian culture associates kissing with love and close relationships.

Another important part of the French culture is their education. They spend an average 48 hours per week at school while us in Canada a usual 30 hours. That’s an 18 hour difference! Their classes are much more structured with lecture style courses and less time for creative independent projects. While our system allows a wide variety of ways you can do things, such as one class may do presentations on a certain topic while the other does essays. The French worked really hard in most subjects because the teachers reinforced that if they fail, they basically fail at life.

Of course there are many more topics on French culture but there is only so much room. I am extremely glad to have learned so much about the French culture and met such wonderful people. In reality it is much more than the beret and baguette (even though that is a true stereotype); it is the cuisine, art, language, history and beliefs that bring this amazing culture together.