A brief introduction to French people and French culture?

I heard a joke before: in France, if someone accidentally falls into the water and shouts "help" in English, it will definitely not be saved. The French only know the French word "au secours"

It is said that this joke is used to satirize the French for rejecting English. I always thought it was just a joke. After arriving in France, I deeply realized that this is not a joke. If you don't speak French, living in France is a very painful thing, and it is not an 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 at all. There are some extremists who simply ignore you when you speak English. The French insist on this truth: in France, please speak French. There is a French phrase called "Exception Francaise" (except France), which is the truth. In other countries, English can be unimpeded, but in France it is an exception. French people regard speaking French as their love for France, and speaking French has become a national cultural complex of the French.

French people are always proud of their own language, so they don't think much of English as a major language, which is quite popular today. After learning French, I was surprised to find that French and English have so many words in common. Many times, I can't help exclaiming that this word is exactly the same as English. Unexpectedly, my statement has aroused the dissatisfaction of many French people. They always correct me very unhappily and seriously: ICE, your statement is wrong. You should not say that this French word is the same as English, but 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 are derived from French. Historically, before the 14th century, it was French that held a position in Britain and even Europe as a whole. 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 is probably one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. There are many French people who think that French is not good. French TV 2 holds an annual French dictation competition every year. It is said that there are almost no mistakes among the contestants 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 so difficult, the French hate to see or hear others use the wrong French. Even for foreigners, they refuse to hold a tolerant attitude. As long as you see a mistake, it will be regarded as a thorn in the side, and it will not be unpleasant. If a candidate makes a mistake in his resume, he won't even get an interview. The French are so picky about French.

Although French people have taken great care of French. But the French government and French linguists are still dissatisfied. French linguists desperately write various articles to appeal to people to protect French purity from English invasion. And the government has also issued various laws and regulations to protect the purity of the most beautiful language in the world. In 1992, the French Parliament solemnly added the phrase "French is the official language of France" to the French Constitution. In 1994, France introduced a new law, stipulating that all slogans and bulletin boards in public places must be written in French, and the original text in other languages should also be translated into French, and the French letters should not be smaller than the original text. Individuals and enterprises that violate the above provisions will be fined between 1, and 5, 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 also been added, that is, anyone who applies for French nationality must be able to speak French.

Seeing that French people love their language and culture so much. I am very touched by telling foreigners that France is an exception. When can China people say to foreigners: In China, please speak Chinese! A few days ago, I saw a news on the Internet. The author claimed that after China's entry into WTO, it is expected that in 1 years, primary and secondary schools in China will fully use English to teach all subjects. The author of the article thinks that it is in line with the world and a kind of progress. However, I feel very distressed. Personally, I think it is an invasion, a linguistic and cultural invasion. Think about it. In 1 years' time, there may be many "american born chinese" living in China in China, and they are obviously born and raised in 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?