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Did you know...?• Alpha Translations Canada Inc. supports and assists in-house translation departments of large companies! • Alpha Translations Canada Inc. is a sponsor at this years' Juve-Awards in Frankfurt, Germany! • Alpha Translations Canada Inc. is committed to using the latest tools and technologies! • our AlphaPoints program is the only one of its kind in the industry! Cultural GuidesContinuing on with our monthly "Cultural Guides", this month we would like to introduce France.... Please click here to read the complete Culture Guide! Making Appointments: Ensure that you make appointments for both business and social occasions. While you should strive to be punctual, you won't be considered late if you arrive ten minutes after the scheduled time. French employees get five weeks of vacation, and take at least three in July or August. Moreover, France practically 'shuts down' in August. Generally, business hours are from 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. Lunch may last for two hours or more.... Guidelines for business dress: The French will perceive the way you dress as a reflection of your social status and relative success. Generally, dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations.... Welcome Topics of Conversation: You'll find that conversations often shift into spirited debates. Give opinions only on subjects that you are knowledgeable about. Studying French history, politics, and other aspects of the culture will be an advantage for you in conversation.... Topics to Avoid: It is extremely bad manners to ask an individual about his political leanings or how he voted. You can, however, inquire about the political system or public opinion about political leaders. Do not criticize Napoleon, who has a lasting identity with the French spirit.... Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift: Giving presents is acceptable here, but exercise discretion. Gifts are expected for social events, especially as thank-yous after a dinner party. Good gift selections can include coffee table books about your home country, or anything that reflects the interests of your hosts and is representative of your country. French business etiquette dictates that you don't include your business card with a gift. If you are invited to a French home, consider it a rare honor. Bring flowers, quality chocolates or liqueur to the host, and present your gift before the entertaining proceeds....Don't bring a gift of wine, since the host usually prefers to make the evening's selection.... What you should know before negotiating: It's strongly recommended that you learn basic French phrases and use them whenever possible. Your efforts will be well appreciated and remembered. The French will revert to English if they see you floundering. When you speak their language, be gracious if the French correct your mistakes in grammar or pronunciation. Usually, people who make these efforts care about the French language and are only trying to help you speak it effectively....Although the French can often be persuaded to change their opinions, they will not accept anything that deviates from the cultural norm. They are, however, receptive to any new information that enhances the spirit of debate. The French will judge you on your ability to demonstrate your intellect, and this often involves discussing confrontational ideas and engaging in rigorous debate with them. You will earn their respect if you can handle yourself well in these situations.... Entertaining for business success: Business lunches are preferred to dinners. Actual business, however, is not supposed to be conducted during lunch or dinner. Sharing a meal is intended to help establish a personal acquaintance. If business has to be discussed, wait until dessert is served. A business lunch will start at 12:30 or 1:00 p.m. and may last until 3:00 p.m. or later if required....If you're making the dining arrangements, a French restaurant is a safe choice. Wine is customary with meals. Do not refuse wine; just sip it slowly. In France, the wine is carefully selected to complement the food, and, consequently, will sometimes change with each course....Occasionally, at dinner parties, couples may be broken up and seated next to people they do not know. The intention of this arrangement is to introduce new acquaintances and promote conversation.... Be careful about adding salt, pepper or ketchup to food, since this may imply to your hosts that the dish is bland or otherwise inadequate. When the meal is finished, the knife and fork are laid parallel to each other across the right side of the plate. When not eating, keep your wrists resting above the table. Portions are generally smaller but with a larger number of courses. You are expected to eat everything on your plate; refrain from asking for seconds. You may ask for more water, but not wine. You are supposed to wait for your host to serve you. If you are hosting, you must make sure the glasses of your guests are filled. In a reputable restaurant, the wine waiter will serve all the guests. Acceptable public conduct:....Chewing gum in public is considered vulgar. Keep your hands out of your pockets when in public. Slapping an open palm over a closed fist is offensive. Snapping fingers is also considered offensive. Smiling is treated only with indifference here. It will not be perceived as a greeting or as an indication of approval. If you feel the need to point, motion with your whole hand, rather than your index finger. Make a writing gesture in the air to summon for the cheque.
Please click here to read the complete Culture Guide! |
