Important Information About French Culture
Important Information About French Culture
When it comes to the different cultures of the world, there are really none more elegant and classic than the French. No one can deny the profound influence that France's culture has had on the Western world, especially over the past few centuries in particular, and namely in terms of subjects such as art, literature and philosophy.
French Culture
In a lot of ways we would not be at all where we are today if it were not for the French, and it is critical to understand this and take it into consideration. In particular regards to art, France has been home to some of the most world-famous and renowned artists of all time. Just look at Claude Monet, Pierre Auguste Renoi, Edgar Degas, and Edouard Manet - all of these were world famous artists who hailed from France.
French culture is truly astounding, not only in terms of their artists but also the architecture for instance. There are various different buildings located all throughout France, which help to reveal its artistry, and two of France's best known buildings of all, and two which also definitely best represent the French culture, are the Notre Dame and Chartres.
French literature is also incredibly pronounced and again definitely considered as being a major part of French culture in general. French literature, which is easily one of the world's most brilliant, has been an impressive facet of French civilization over the years, and because the French are very literate people, the influence of French intellectuals on French history in general over time has been significant and great as well.
French literature truly began during the Middle Ages, although of course there were plenty of writers long before that. The Middle Ages also saw the development of history as a prose genre, and besides literature written in the French language, which is the most obvious and recognized, there is also literature included in the French culture which has been written in other languages of France.
Customs and Etiquette
Another critical part of the French culture refers to customs and etiquette that they have, and the meeting etiquette is particularly important. You are supposed to handshake someone when you greet them, and friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right.
First names are only reserved for family and close friends however, and so you should really wait until you are invited to use someone's first name before doing so.