Understanding Daily Culture

Example of Level IV Standard 9

            Practices and products influence each other within cultures. There is an interrelationship between the practices of a culture and the products. Without the practice and belief there would not be a product. The products are the direct results of the perspectives and practices of a culture.

            The perspective that is integral in everyday French culture and life is that it is important to be hospitable. This is a belief that most French people hold. They take pride in being a welcoming and hospitable people and culture. The French culture values communicating to friends and family that they are loved and included. Being warm and cordial to friends and family is a value that the French people put into practice everyday.

            The practice that results from the perspective of being warm and hospitable is greeting friends and family. The French always greet people they know and loved with a warm and accepting manner. They are very welcoming and acknowledge the presence of their friends and family when in public or at home.

            The products of this type of belief are the many ways that the French culture has to greet people. There are many expressions and actions to express welcoming a friend. Different expressions are used to greet certain people and they are specific to how you want to greet them. If it is formal there are different expressions that are used than if it is a casual meeting with a friend. Also, the French people do something called “la bise”. These are kisses on either side of the cheek. The number of kisses depends on the region that one is from. 

            These perceptions, practices and products have an interrelationship. The perception developed a practice, and the practice developed the product. The idea that greeting people and being hospitable is an integral part of everyday culture in France can be taught in the classroom in many ways.

            The different styles of greetings should be taught to the students. They should be allowed to practice these and also compare them to the styles of greetings in their culture. In the French classroom, only French greetings should be used. By doing this, the students will practice French culture and learn when to use the appropriate forms of the greetings. Greetings are such a basic part of most cultures, so it is a good place to start beginning students. It can also be beneficial to compare and contrast the ways that people greet each other in American verses in France. For example, young people in American say, “Hi” to their friends, and in France, young people say, “Salut!”

            Everyday culture is an important aspect of culture to include in the language learning classroom. Everyday culture is often considered “little c” culture, however it is just as valuable to learn. The daily life aspects of culture are going to give the students a glimpse of what life is really like in France and what the culture values and believe.