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49 reviews for:
The Bonjour Effect: The Secret Codes of French Conversation Revealed
Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
3.93 AVERAGE
49 reviews for:
The Bonjour Effect: The Secret Codes of French Conversation Revealed
Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
3.93 AVERAGE
informative
slow-paced
funny
informative
medium-paced
"What kind of people say no when they mean yes, refuse to admit they 'don't know' even when they obviously don't, and systematically claim to hate their jobs even when they love them? That would be the French." Authors, Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau, had me at "Bonjour," with this fantastic first line of the book. I truly enjoyed learning about so many different aspects of French culture. From conversation etiquette to education and parenting; from politics to gender and race relations - this book touches on a lot. Each beautifully written chapter covers a specific topic, so, if you prefer, you could just pick one that interests you, rather than read straight through. This was a great opportunity to, not only learn about the French, but also to consider attitudes and culture as an outsider, using it as a mirror for for my own country and culture. Highly recommend.
So completely the opposite of my experience of living in France for 3 years now, I don't live in Paris but even in Paris I haven't experienced anything like this at all, it seems ill-advised to write a whole book on communication style of an entire nation based on 1 year in 1 city, and then mostly talking to 'intellectuals' at that. Can't dis-recommend this enough.
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
I bought this book because I've read other books by Barlow and Nadeau (Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong, and The Story of Spanish) and generally thought them worthwhile. And also because I just moved to France and thought I might want to uncover some of the hidden codes the French use when they are talking.
The book is not organized very well - though I probably wouldn't do much better myself if trying to make a guide like this. I will be comparing what they say with my own personal interactions with French people. Already it seems that saying bonjour does allow one to begin a conversation more easily. I'm less sure about how true are their tips on the workplace, discussing money, and how the French view education. Maybe in another year I'll re-read this and compare to my own experiences for a more informed review.
I look forward to reading what they say in 'The Story of French' - and even though the subject is less practical, I think it may be a good read.
The book is not organized very well - though I probably wouldn't do much better myself if trying to make a guide like this. I will be comparing what they say with my own personal interactions with French people. Already it seems that saying bonjour does allow one to begin a conversation more easily. I'm less sure about how true are their tips on the workplace, discussing money, and how the French view education. Maybe in another year I'll re-read this and compare to my own experiences for a more informed review.
I look forward to reading what they say in 'The Story of French' - and even though the subject is less practical, I think it may be a good read.
informative
medium-paced
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
"Language is a matter of national identity in France. In fact, language is so deeply embedded in the French national identity the French don't seem to even consider French as a language among others... (Page 157)" .
I am fascinated by this language, by this culture. Therefore, I found this highly readable handbook, if you will, exactly what I needed to read at this point in my French studies. It manages to be both funny and insightful, as well as educational.
I look forward to reading more by this writing duo.
I am fascinated by this language, by this culture. Therefore, I found this highly readable handbook, if you will, exactly what I needed to read at this point in my French studies. It manages to be both funny and insightful, as well as educational.
I look forward to reading more by this writing duo.
I read this to prepare for a trip to France. It was helpful to understand the culture I think. We will see if that holds true in reality.