Alors! I have been studying French with an eye to the language only, but culture seeps in through the dialogue, of course. Unfortunately, I have the continually disconcerting reaction to the dialogue, in which actions are continually perceived as rude which seem just fine and normal to me! It's a very uncomfortable feeling, and, Zut!, I just don't like squirming in my seat like that! It's probably a good education for me, though, I suppose...and I wonder about whether the etiquette pertains more to class distinctions than to foreign culture. I suppose the argument can be made that different classes are rather a foreign culture, eh? Whew... Perhaps it doesn't happen all that often, actually. I do tend to be a wee bit sensitive, right? Today's issue had to do with a girl's mother getting stranded while out doing errands when her car breaks down. Her call for help was seen as an imposition, which bothered me--having been in that situation before. The perception seemed to be 'get a taxi, lady!' Yes, I know it puts folks out to get those calls, but isn't that what family's for? However, I suppose perhaps a slightly more affluent class sees hired help as a part of life.
In my course of study, there's also simply the constant chat with concierges and a huge variety of service folks, which is simply not part of my own life very often--and I'm rather stricken with the feeling, 'I can't afford to learn French!' Of course, maybe those feelings will quell if I ever do visit France, as of course I'll have to deal with those 'service' folks continually. As it is, though, I rather freak whenever a valet is involved in any event. I don't know what to do here, in America, when speaking English!!! I'll be a lost puppy in France and utterly dumbfounded, whether or not I know the words!
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