A brief introduction to French people and French culture?

I heard a joke before: in France, if someone accidentally falls into the water and cries "help" in English, it can't be saved. The French only know "au secours" (help).

It is said that this joke is used to satirize the French's rejection of English. I always thought it was just a joke. After I arrived in France, I deeply realized that this was not a joke. If you can't speak French, living in France is a very painful thing. It's no exaggeration to describe this pain by being unable to move. Nowadays, if a person can speak fluent English, it is almost unimpeded to go to all countries in the world. But not in France. Even if some French people can speak English, they will not take the initiative to talk to foreigners in English. On the streets of Paris, foreigners who ask for directions in English are often disappointed. Either they can't find anyone who can speak English, or the French people's English is too poor to understand. When you speak English, some extremists simply ignore you. The French insist on this truth: In France, please speak French. There is a saying in France called "Exception Francaise" (except France), which is the reason. In other countries, English can be unimpeded, but in France it is an exception. The French regard speaking French as their love for France, and speaking French has become a national cultural complex of the French.

The French are always proud of their own language, so they don't pay much attention to English, which is a very popular big language today. After learning French, I was surprised to find that French and English have so much in common. Many times, I can't help but exclaim that this word is exactly the same as English. Unexpectedly, my statement caused many French people's dissatisfaction. They are always very unhappy and seriously correct me: Bing, your statement is wrong. You shouldn't say that this French word is the same as English. You should say that this word is French, but English is the same as French, not French. Finally, don't forget to add that the British stole our French. I always find it funny that the French are so serious about French. Of course, the French have a basis for saying this. Open an English dictionary, and more than half of the words come from French. Historically, before14th century, it was French that occupied a place in Britain and even Europe. In a long historical period, French has been regarded as a fashion by some European royal aristocrats, and speaking French is a symbol of status and status.

French is the most beautiful and accurate language in the world, but it may be one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. Many French people think French is not good. France TV 2 holds an annual French dictation competition every year. It is said that the contestants make almost no mistakes every year. Of course, there are many traps in this competition, but the French think it is great to control the mistakes within three. Although French is difficult, the French hate to see or hear others use the wrong French. Even for foreigners, they refuse to be tolerant. As long as you see a mistake, it will be regarded as a thorn in the side and will not be unpleasant. If a candidate makes a mistake in his resume, he won't even get an interview. The French are too picky about French.

Although the French take care of the French so well. But the French government and French linguists are still not satisfied. French linguists desperately write various articles calling on people to protect the purity of French from the invasion of English. The government has also introduced various laws and regulations to protect the purity of the most beautiful language in the world. 1992, the French Parliament solemnly added the phrase "French is the official language of France" to the French Constitution. 1994, France promulgated a new law, stipulating that slogans and bulletin boards in all public places must be written in French, and the original texts in other languages should also be translated into French, and the French letters should not be smaller than the original ones. Individuals and enterprises that violate the above provisions will be fined 1000 to 5,000 euros depending on the seriousness of the case. At the same time, the law also stipulates that all French neologisms and their explanations must be adopted by the French Academy and published in the official gazette before they can be recognized and used. Once the neologisms are officially published, all government agencies must set an example and use these standard French neologisms in official documents. In the recently revised immigration law, a clause has been added, that is, anyone applying for French nationality must be able to speak French.

Seeing that the French love their language and culture so much. I am very moved to say "French exception" to foreigners so confidently. When can China people say to foreigners with such confidence: In China, please speak Chinese! I saw a news on the Internet the other day. The author claims that after China's entry into WTO, it is predicted that in 10, all subjects will be taught in English in primary and secondary schools in China. The author of the article thinks that it is an improvement to connect with the world. However, I feel very distressed. Personally, I think it is an invasion, a linguistic and cultural invasion. Think about it. 10 years later, there may be many "American-born Chinese" living in China in China. Obviously, they are native to China, but they can only say "I can't speak Chinese". The real China culture may only be seen by foreign collectors. What kind of sadness would that be?