Review Details

Meeting the French, A Kolibri Practical Guide to Lifestyle, Manners and Language

Product Review (submitted on 14 April 2014):

France is a beautiful country, and its citizens, often casually dismissed as "rude," are interesting and generous people, once you get to know them. Any visit to France can be enhanced by the people you meet there, but some of their customs and habits may be surprising or difficult to understand. Reading up on French culture before you go can help you make the most of your trip.

Meeting the French is the second "practical guide to lifestyle, manners and language" by Kolibri Languages. This French audiobook is divided into three sections.

Part 1: Invitations explains what to expect when a friend invites you over for un apéro (cocktail), goes over dinner conversation and table settings, offers useful phrases to use when staying with friends, and describes some traditional wedding customs.

Part 2: Meeting People compares formal and informal meetings, including vous vs tu and les bises; discusses family traditions; and presents some regional differences in language and culture.

Part 3: What to Say offers advice on making small talk (weather and health are safe topics), explains how the French talk about politics, and discusses French humor. Each part is divided into sections with useful info, cultural tips, keyword lists, essential phrases, and a short quiz to help reinforce the new vocabulary and customs. There are color photos throughout, as well as a CD offering audio files of all the vocabulary, phrases, and language tips to help you develop your listening comprehension and pronunciation skills in preparation for your next encounter with the French.

The Bottom Line
An interesting, useful guide to French culture and getting to know people.
Verdict: 5-Stars