90+ Ways You Know You’re Becoming French
This cute little book that fits in your hand was inspired from the original article 20 Ways You Know You’re Becoming French The article got such good response from our readers that author Shari Leslie Segall had the great idea to make it into a book. We teamed up with an artist for watercolor illustrations and thought up more than 90+ points that are ways you know you are becoming French. Such as:
- would never conceive of a holiday menu without foie gras, oysters and glazed chestnuts
- ask everyone you know about their recent/upcoming vacances
- know who Marianne is
Judith, an American in Paris since the 1990s, had this to say after reading the book 90+ Ways You Know You’re Becoming French:
« This is really funny–I actually improved my quality of life from « Becoming French ». The one about saying bonjour to the bus driver and not your neighbor? I realized I didn’t often greet the bus driver so began doing so, and then carried on by saying Bonjour Madame, and Bonjour Monsieur to salespeople and people I need advice or service from. I have gotten so much better attention and service! I used to begin with « Excusez moi », like you would do in English, but then realized it is rude in French not to begin by greeting with a « title » and then excusing yourself if it is necessary (Like « Bonjour, Madame. Excusez moi de vous déranger mais… » or simply « Bonjour, Madame, pourriez vous me conseiller sur les… »). Anyway, I got much smiling help today at BHV using this method! »
I am laughing so hard right now at this book because it is so on point!! — Stevie Benanty
You can purchase the book in these fine shops:
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- Smith & Son (248, rue de Rivoli – 75001)
- Brentano’s (37 av de l’Opéra – 75002)
- Bring France Home (3 Rue de Birague – 75004)
- Bill & Rosa’s Book Room – FUSAC office (42 rue du Chemin Vert, Boulogne-Billancourt)
and what is a more French fashion statement than a scarf? Visit the FUSAC Boutique for accessories: scarves, hats, magnets… Read our companion article: https://fusac.fr/silk-scarves/
The authors:
Shari Leslie Segall, in Paris since 1985 and author of France-themed books and articles, teaches English and cross-cultural communication at the prestigious Institut des Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) and at the French Military Academy. She is the founding director of Foreign Affairs, which provides linguistic and cross-cultural training and creates English-language documents for executives.
Lisa Vanden Bos, originally from the U.S.A. and in Paris since 1989 has created two volumes of the Speak Easy Book of French and English idiomatic expressions. Lisa never tires of exploring Paris, France and French language and culture.
Judit Halász, the illustrator, is a Hungarian designer who loves France. Having studied graphic and packaging design, fashion design and furniture design at the University of West Hungary and at Seinäjoki University in Finland, she has a Master’s Degree in industrial design. Judit created the HJ group, whose creations are featured at trade fairs. She loves to paint. This was her first book-illustration assignment and she is tickled pink.
