There are some things a textbook just doesn’t tell you about the French language. In my years as a former French professor and now as a French language and travel specialist, I find that you have to go to the source—France!—to get the real scoop.
Take the word bonjour, for example. When you learn to say bonjour (hello or good day) in French, most books explain what it means and show how it’s used in a simple conversation. That’s a good start. But they don’t mention that when you are in France, you should make your time there what I like to call a ‘bonjour fest.’
What exactly is a ‘bonjour fest’, you might ask?
When you enter a shop or boutique, when it’s your turn at the boulangerie (bakery) or chocolaterie (chocolate shop), when you approach the reception desk at your hotel, when you come into a restaurant, when you get into a taxi, when you reach the ticket counter at a museum, make eye contact with the French and say a nice, clear “Bonjour!” Better still, be sure to add on a crisp “Monsieur” (sir) or “Madame” (ma’am) to your French hello. This practice will go a long way towards positive human relations and a great French travel experience.
Here’s why bonjour is so important: French culture is relationship oriented (as opposed to the more transactional American culture) so it is essential to acknowledge and respect individuals you meet. Of course, you don’t need to greet people you pass on the street—only those with whom you come into direct contact. And you can leave off the word “Salut!” (hi) as it’s too informal for anyone other than close friends or family.
Another aspect of bonjour which I have never seen in a French language textbook popped up a few years ago in Paris. I went to my neighborhood librairie (bookstore) to buy some books on my French reading list. I greeted the vendeur (salesman) with a nice “Bonjour, Monsieur” as I entered the shop, made and purchased my selections, and said “Au revoir, Monsieur” as I went out the door.
Later that day, however, I realized I had forgotten to buy a highly recommended livre (volume) so headed back to the book shop. As I entered, the salesman recognized me from earlier that day and called out “Rebonjour, Madame!” “Hello again, Madame!” It was a memorable moment. I was charmed to realize that even in a big metropolis like Paris, people remember you and acknowledge it. Ever since, when I run across someone more than once in the same day in Paris or elsewhere in France, I call out “Rebonjour!” and it never fails to put a smile on the receiver’s face. In fact, rebonjour remains my current favorite French word.
To sum up, whether it’s bonjour or rebonjour, say hello liberally when in France—c’est simple comme bonjour (it’s easy as pie)!
French Take-Out ~ La France à emporter™
The Parisian pâtisserie (pastry shop) Gérard Mulot makes rebonjour a must as it’s tempting to go there over and over again. Their macarons are some of my favorites including the bite-sized orange-gingembre (orange ginger) with bits of candied ginger or the lusciously fluffy noix de coco (coconut) version.
Gérard Mulot is near the Luxembourg Gardens so you can go there to walk off the calories for a guilt-free indulgence. Or you can get a small box to bring back with you on the plane–miam, miam (yum, yum).
Gérard Mulot
76, rue de Seine
75006 Paris
www.gerardmulot.com