Book Description
Have you ever walked into a half-empty Parisian restaurant, only to be told that it’s “complet”? Attempted to say “merci beaucoup” and accidentally complimented someone’s physique? Been overlooked at the boulangerie due to your adherence to the bizarre foreign custom of waiting in line? Well, you’re not alone. The internationally bestselling author of A Year in the Merde and In the Merde for Love has been there too, and he is here to help. In Talk to the Snail, Stephen Clarke distills the fruits of years spent in the French trenches into a truly handy (and hilarious) book of advice. Read this book, and find out how to get good service from the grumpiest waiter; be exquisitely polite and brutally rude at the same time; and employ the language of l’amour and le sexe. Everything you need is here in this funny, informative, and seriously useful guide to getting what you really want from the French.
Customer Reviews:
Funny, Witty, Informative.......2007-09-27
Stephen Clarke has such an incredible sense of humor! After devouring A Year in the Merde and Merde Actually, I could not resist reading Talk to the Snail. This book is by far the weakest one but once again, it made me laugh and taught me a few interesting and useful things about the French.
Apparently, even some French find Clarke's novels amusing. I asked my French tutor whether she has heard about this trilogy. To my surprise, she immediately smiled and said that A Year in the Merde is hilarious.
Good but nor Deep.......2007-09-22
It's the fourth or fifth book I read about France viewed from the eyes of an Anglo-Saxon (American, British, Canadian, Australian).
Up to this point, it has been the most disappointing one. The beginnign looked good but I quickly realized that all described was, while true, very superficial. The biggest point being that this books describes pretty well Parisians but definitely not the rest of the population. To sum it up, even if the author claims having lived 12 years in France, he definitely has missed to get into the skin of the "locals". It's too bad because his style is pretty good.
Compared to superb books like "Almost French" or "60 Millions French can't be wrong", this one doesn't fare very well. I still have to read "A Year in the Merde" and want to go through it.
Paul
Talk to the Snail: Ten Commandments for Understanding the French .......2007-09-16
The book is a great fun for me because I know the habits of the French people. Great work of Stephen Clarke!!
Hysterical and true (not).......2007-09-08
This funny book gets you in the mood to be in the company of the French
Spot on.......2007-07-08
I have loved Stephen Clarke's novels but this humorous take on the French, all things French, and especially all things NOT British is a classic.
I spend a lot of time in Paris, and his observations are absolutely spot on. While he primarily writes about how the French see English speakers (i.e. the British, not necessarily Americans) his observations apply to both.
If you have never visited France, some of what he writes might seem rude. It is about as accurate in observation as I have read anywhere, however. Hurrah to Stephen Clarke! More! More!
Amazon.com
Let's face it: the French have gotten a bad rap. Mention that you're considering a trip to France and everyone will warn you about rude waiters, supercilious shopkeepers, and snooty concierges who won't give you the time of day--and worse, pretend not to understand your high-school French. Not so, says Polly Platt, author of French or Foe?; "The French are generous, exhilarating friends," but they are different--wonderfully so. The trick to getting along in France is understanding the culture and learning to accept it on French terms instead of your own. Though the book is designed primarily for people who will be living or working in France for extended periods, the lessons Platt teaches about manners, attitudes, and culture are invaluable for even those visitors just passing through.
Customer Reviews:
Best Friends We've Ever Had.......2007-07-05
As the relatively new kids on the geopolitical block, we Americans often misunderstand how the rest of the world operates, none more so than our amis ancien the French. I came across this book in a Genevan bookstore shortly after moving there and it has helped me immeasurably over the years. My Parisian friends have enjoyed and confirmed the truth and wisdom contained in its pages.
Who knew that approaching the French in a typically American way with a big smile and focus on the task at hand is considered disingenuous and rude? How amazingly different is the response I consistently get with a deadpan expression, proper greeting and speaking French first before getting down to business!
A whole host of helpful tips, from playing devil's advocate during an evening together, politically incorrect flirtation, and the customer not always being right, are covered here in a humorous and easy-to-remember fashion. Understanding builds the bridge to friendship. After all, the French have been our friends since before we became a sovereign country, even if it, as President Sarkozy has said, "friendship means accepting that friends can have different opinions."
Indispensible.......2007-05-28
The single most indispensable book for anyone planning on living in France for longer than five months.
More than a mere study of facts and procedures, "French or Foe" explores the worldview of the French that make all that they do comprehensible. Without reading this work, France is incomprehensible, and you will be confined to a social and hermeneutic ghetto.
Highly recommended.
Informational, educational and fun!.......2007-03-01
I am an American woman married to a French husband, and when I came across this book, I was unprepared for such thorough explanations of and insights into my husband's often inexplicable behavior. Polly Platt's book goes a long way in demystifying the French, and makes you laugh along the way. A great guide for anyone planning to visit or live in France.
Foreign Country Vacation prep a MUST.......2007-02-10
French or Foe is a well written book that is a thoroughly enjoyable read AND was of immense help in preparing us for dealing with our first trip 'across the big water.' Despite our having very limited French at our disposal, the understanding of the French - through this book- allowed us to not only get along, but to thoroughly enjoy ourselves (in contrast to an unprepared fellow American Travelor, at our motel, who appeared to be about ready for a straight jacket).
How to enjoy the French.......2007-01-26
This book is an excellent guide to people proposing to live/work, of just visit in France. While it is directed mainly to Americans, it would be equally useful to Australians, or anyone from any other culture. It explains the culture, and particularly the codes of behaviour that non-francophones find so baffling. There is a rather long, complex potted history section which explains much of the background to the code, but for the short-term visitor, just having knowledge of the codes and how to respond to them will suffice. Armed with the contents of this book, one should have a trouble-free time in France.
Book Description
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.
Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include
* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's, don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken
"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel
"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel
"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer
"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine
"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times
Book Description
You'll never feel intimidated and awkward about the customs and etiquette of another country again. With the insights provided in this CULTURE SHOCK! Guide, you'll learn to see beyond the stereotypes and misinformation that often precede a visit to a foreign land. Whether you plan to stay for a week or for a year, you'll benefit from such topics as understanding the rules of driving and monetary systems, religious practices and making friends. There are tips on political traditions, building business relationships, and the particular intricacies of setting up a home or office. Great for the business traveler, the foreign exchange student, or the tourist who makes a sincere attempt to cross the bridge into a new and exciting culture.
Customer Reviews:
Fascinating.......2007-09-03
I found this book fascinating and very practical. The suggestion for us Americans to not ask "what do you do?" and to not expect everyone to agree with us all the time is excellent and important. Also, the suggestion for Americans to not give the insincere smile and compliment which have become "de rigueur" in the United States is accurate. The book has a single error in the glossary: the translations for qui and pourquoi are transposed -- big deal. Fun to read, easy to understand, and funny. Read this book if you're going to France.
weary of "french culture" books........2007-07-06
while this book does have a lot of information, i'm not sure how much of it is true. i'm concerned with the errors that i found throughout, particularly the "useful words and phrases" that closes the book. for the record, the french "comment" is mostly used as "what" and not "how," "qui" certainly does not mean "why" but "who," and "pourquoi" is not "who" but "why." as a book written (i assume) for people without a lot of prior knowledge about france and/or the french language, these are huge errors that call into question the validity and accuracy of the rest of the book. i found that too often the author focuses on paris, which misleadingly implies that the entire country is like the major city. i was also not impressed with the general tone of the book, which was condescending and full of typical french stereotypes.
Lots of Errors, Though Well-Written.......2006-11-20
While I enjoy Taylor's writing style and personal flair, there are lots of errors in this book. There are things that will get you hurt (like the section that vastly overstates the safety of bicycling here) or get you into social trouble (like the section that states most French people don't know much about wine and they don't have to because it's "quality controlled" -- please never EVER say that to a French person! It's not true! This is their culture and they are all extremely proud of their wine knowledge because the wine reflects the character of each region).
I'm not French, but my boyfriend is French (Parisian, actually) and we've been living here in the South of France for three months. It was a new book that arrived in his office, so he gave it to me to read, hoping it would help my transition here. Unfortunately, I kept finding things that just didn't line up at all with what I'd experienced or didn't ring true for some reason. I'd relate one thing after another to him of what I was reading and he'd have to correct it. I then thought to look for the author's qualifications to write the book and wasn't convinced they were really there.
Anyway, there are definitely some things that are correct, especially where Taylor states that one should use their French, even if their grammar and vocabulary isn't perfect. And I could appreciate the part where she talks about moderating one's voice in public. (It's a pretty common foible for Americans to raise their voices.) I give her three stars for the general information that's right and a well-organized, well-written book. But I would not recommend this for someone who knows nothing about French culture. In fact, if someone knows a really good book on French culture shock, please tell me. We would love to know!
Best of the French culture guides.......2005-11-23
Of all the culture guides to France this is my favorite. Taylor has done a great job of characterizing French culture at all levels. Her style is clear and succinct and she offers a lot of examples throughout the book regarding etiquette and proper French behavior. There is tons of practical information (with a title so named) and an interesting chapter on culture shock for Americans moving to France. There are better guides, I think, to business life in France, or certainly for visiting or touring, but for a general introduction to why the French act like the French this one's the best.
If you don't have time enough........2005-09-20
A big part of this book is like a copy of "French or Foe?" by Polly Platt. The author mentions the book way too often. At least it gives more advices on making friends when in France. It also talks a bit more on food. I wrote a review on that book as well, so most of that review applies here as well.
For this particular book I have one correction, the French do care about the whole world. They don't narrow their attention to USA like most of the world does. For example, 4 out the 7 or 8 French people I have contact with knew Spanish, and 3 of them knew very well.
A recommendable book for hurried people already heading to France. You won't waste your 9 or so hours flight.
Average customer rating:
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Customs & Etiquette Of Germany (Simple Guides Customs and Etiquette)
Waltraud Coles , and
Uwe Koreik
Manufacturer: Bravo
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Customs & Etiquette Of France (Simple Guides Customs and Etiquette)
Danielle Robinson
Manufacturer: Bravo
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Book Description
Whether you travel for business, pleasure, or a combination of the two, the ever-popular "Culture Shock!" series belongs in your backpack or briefcase. Get the nuts-and-bolts information you need to survive and thrive wherever you go. "Culture Shock!" country guides are easy-to-read, accurate, and entertaining crash courses in local customs and etiquette. "Culture Shock!" practical guides offer the inside information you need whether you're a student, a parent, a globetrotter, or a working traveler. "Culture Shock!" at your Door guides equip you for daily life in some of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. And "Culture Shock!" Success Secrets guides offer relevant, practical information with the real-life insights and cultural know-how that can make the difference between business success and failure.
Each "Culture Shock!" title is written by someone who's lived and worked in the country, and each book is packed with practical, accurate, and enjoyable information to help you find your way and feel at home.
Book Description
Comprehensive guide to the culture, etiquette and communication of France.
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San Francisco at Your Door (Cultureshock San Francisco: A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette)
Frances Gendlin
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Book Description
Whether you travel for business, pleasure, or a combination of the two, the ever-popular "Culture Shock!" series belongs in your backpack or briefcase. Get the nuts-and-bolts information you need to survive and thrive wherever you go. "Culture Shock!" country guides are easy-to-read, accurate, and entertaining crash courses in local customs and etiquette. "Culture Shock!" practical guides offer the inside information you need whether you're a student, a parent, a globetrotter, or a working traveler. "Culture Shock!" at your Door guides equip you for daily life in some of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. And "Culture Shock!" Success Secrets guides offer relevant, practical information with the real-life insights and cultural know-how that can make the difference between business success and failure.
Each "Culture Shock!" title is written by someone who's lived and worked in the country, and each book is packed with practical, accurate, and enjoyable information to help you find your way and feel at home.
Customer Reviews:
outdated!.......2007-06-27
Written before the dot-com bust. Skip this item and go for "Newcomer's Handbook for Moving and Living in the San Francisco Bay Area" instead.
Book Description
Whether you travel for business, pleasure, or a combination of the two, the ever-popular "Culture Shock!" series belongs in your backpack or briefcase. Get the nuts-and-bolts information you need to survive and thrive wherever you go. "Culture Shock!" country guides are easy-to-read, accurate, and entertaining crash courses in local customs and etiquette. "Culture Shock!" practical guides offer the inside information you need whether you're a student, a parent, a globetrotter, or a working traveler. "Culture Shock!" at your Door guides equip you for daily life in some of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. And "Culture Shock!" Success Secrets guides offer relevant, practical information with the real-life insights and cultural know-how that can make the difference between business success and failure.
Each "Culture Shock!" title is written by someone who's lived and worked in the country, and each book is packed with practical, accurate, and enjoyable information to help you find your way and feel at home.
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