Six Codes...Hello cultureshock!

So this week in our prep class we talked about the "Six Codes". It was basically a summary of the most important things that you can do to respect the French culture. Lemme just say...I have a lot of work to do if I'm going to blend in while I'm in France. Here's a short synopsis of what I learned:

1. Don't Smile.

When I first read this I was like...what the heck? I'm doomed! If I make eye contact with someone, I always smile at them. Apparently in France, you don't smile at someone unless 1. you know them or 2. you have a reason to. If you smile at a stranger, you're either 1. flirting or 2. they look at you really confused wondering why you're smiling at them. Our smile codes are completely different! In America, we automatically smile at strangers if we make eye contact to show that we're not a threat. In France, you smile at a stranger only if there's an incident that involves you both. I'll have to work on that one...

2. Flirt

Well seeing as we're not allowed to date at all on our program, I don't see why flirting is even important. Our program director told us that we'll definitely be hit on while we're in Paris and we need to be aware of what we're doing because Americans can flirt with Parisians without even knowing it. The article says that you shouldn't smile, but that we need to do it with out eyes. Yeah...if someone can explain to me how to flirt with their eyes, I'll give them a dollar.

3. The 10 Magic Words

If you ever go to Paris, REMEMBER THIS. If you ever need directions, advice, have a question, or need to communicate with a French person at any time, you MUST say, "Excusez-moi de vous déranger monsieur (or madame)..." before asking a question. Even better - add bonjour before "excusez". In fact, always do that to. If you say this before you ask a question, you are automatically seen as attempting to speak their language (which they respect a LOT), you have their full attention, and they become and million and a half times more likely to help you out. It means, "Excuse me for disturbing you sir (or madam)" and is the key to getting the respect and attention of the person you're trying to communicate with. Never forget the "bonjour"either. Always start a conversation with it.

4. Add "Monsieur" or "Madame" to "Hello"

You must always say hello and goodbye to everyone that you have a conversation with - including strangers. Never forget to say madame or monsieur either. Madame is anyone over the age of 16, not just a married woman. NEVER say messieurdames. Our program director described it as saying "Hello gov'na (governor)" in English. Bad idea.

5. Shake Hands

In the article it said that, "handshaking in French offices is to a "hello" as ice cream to apple pie." Apparently it's pretty important. We were told that the French are into the "limp dead fish" handshakes as opposed to the firm American handshake. They also greet you with "la bise" or kissing on the cheeks (more with people that you're familiar with). I'll definitely have to get used to that one...

6. Watch Out at the Door

This one's not important anymore...it's outdated. Apparenly the French have gotten more polite (gasp!) and they hold doors for everyone now. Who knew, right?

Hopefully I can practice all of these codes before I leave...I have a lot of work to do!

P.S. Today is Elder Matthew Johnson's NINE MONTH mark! Man time is flying! He's doing great in Argentina and is working really hard. :)