Cultural Misunderstandings The French-American experience

Cultural Misunderstandings 

Raymonde Carroll, Anthropologist



Analyse of cultural differences leading to misunderstandings



Presented into little essays

French and American behaviors... … in their close relationship

I. a. b. c.

At home Between parents and children In couple

… with their friends

II. a. b.

In friendship Dealing with “minor accidents”

… with strangers

III. a. b. c.

In conversation On the phone To obtain information

… in their close relationship At home Between parents and children In couple

French Culture

American Culture



The house is “private”



The house is more “public”



Implicit rules guide guests behavior



The host clearly defines the rules



Openness depends clearly on the relationship



Openness also depends on the relationship, but it is less obvious

… in their close relationship At home Between parents and children In couple

French Culture 





Children's liberty is restricted

American Culture 

Children are free



Children are “unknown seeds”



Adolescence is the beginning of adulthood

Children early learn to behave well Adolescence is a period of liberties

… in their close relationship At home Between parents and children In couple

French Culture

American Culture



Intimacy is hidden



Couple are “linked”



From hate to love, the distance is only one step



Arguments are very bad signs



In couple, frankness is usual



Absolute mutual support

… with their friends In friendship Dealing with “minor accidents”

French Culture

American Culture



Friends are like a “family”



“In friendship as in love”



Friendship is stable, almost indestructible



Friendship must always be reasserted



My friend support me by offering their help



I can (and must) ask my friend for help

… with their friends In friendship Dealing with “minor accidents”

French Culture

American Culture



It is never really my fault



I'm responsible of the damage I make



The host/lender take care of my fault



I must take care of my “accidents”

… with strangers In conversation On the phone To obtain information

French Culture

American Culture



Relationship between people more important than the subject



Subject is more important than the relationship between people



The aim is to establish ties, to create a network



The aim is to exchange information



The speech must be brief and efficient



The speech can be developed

… with strangers In conversation On the phone To obtain information

French Culture 



Telephone represents uncertainty before the unknown Telephone is desirable for friends and close relationship

American Culture 

The telephone is like the car



I do not call for no reason



I can say: “I can't stay on the phone right now”

… with strangers In conversation On the phone To obtain information

French Culture

American Culture



Small amount of information offered



Detailed information at disposal



I need someone to count on



I try to be self-sufficient “not to need anyone”



Correctness is not what's important



I need correct information to make my judgement

Conclusion Cultural Misunderstandings The French-American experience

Raymonde Carroll

Questions? Thank you for your attention