The Language

Practical French

The French like everyone else have lots of non-verbal communication, like the raised fore and middle finger in a V, which means two entirely different things to an American and a British person, some gestures are similar to Anglo-Saxon gestures, some are not.  Here are a few to watch for:

Wiping the brow with one hand means “that’s enough” or “I can’t take it anymore.”

Turning your palm upwards and touching your thumb to your fingers means “Say what? or What are you talking about!”

Making a fist around your nose and turning it from side to side means “drunk” or “tipsy.”

Loosely grabbing your throat with your thumb and forefinger means “unbelievable” or “yeah right.”

A classic Gallic Shrug is a shrug of your shoulders, while you throw up your hands palms out and raise your eyebrows. t normally means “Yes, but what does it matter or so what!”

Bof – more a sound than a gesture, but it means “I could care less”

Tapping the side of your nose with your index finger usually means that one is clever/smart.

Holding out your hands and rubbing your thumb across your fingers means the same as it does in English. It means something is expensive.

Making a fist with one hand and slapping the top of it with the other hand is a rude gesture.

Phrase basics

Reading and links for more information

• Culture Wise France, The Essential Guide to Culture, Customs & Business Etiquette, Joe Laredo, 2007
• French or Foe, Pollly Platt (Distri Books), 1994, the Quintessential Guide
• Living France, Archant Life
• French Culture, the official website of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the US
• France travel guide and French culture and traditions