The Bonjour Effect

The Secret Codes of French Conversation Revealed

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Translating & Interpreting, Travel, Europe, France, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book The Bonjour Effect by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau, St. Martin's Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau ISBN: 9781250102447
Publisher: St. Martin's Press Publication: April 19, 2016
Imprint: St. Martin's Press Language: English
Author: Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
ISBN: 9781250102447
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication: April 19, 2016
Imprint: St. Martin's Press
Language: English

Jean-Benoît Nadeau and Julie Barlow spent a decade traveling back and forth to Paris as well as living there. Yet one important lesson never seemed to sink in: how to communicate comfortably with the French, even when you speak their language. In The Bonjour Effect Jean-Benoît and Julie chronicle the lessons they learned after they returned to France to live, for a year, with their twin daughters. They offer up all the lessons they learned and explain, in a book as fizzy as a bottle of the finest French champagne, the most important aspect of all: the French don't communicate, they converse. To understand and speak French well, one must understand that French conversation runs on a set of rules that go to the heart of French culture. Why do the French like talking about "the decline of France"? Why does broaching a subject like money end all discussion? Why do the French become so aroused debating the merits and qualities of their own language? Through encounters with school principals, city hall civil servants, gas company employees, old friends and business acquaintances, Julie and Jean-Benoît explain why, culturally and historically, conversation with the French is not about communicating or being nice. It's about being interesting. After reading The Bonjour Effect, even readers with a modicum of French language ability will be able to hold their own the next time they step into a bistro on the Left Bank.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Jean-Benoît Nadeau and Julie Barlow spent a decade traveling back and forth to Paris as well as living there. Yet one important lesson never seemed to sink in: how to communicate comfortably with the French, even when you speak their language. In The Bonjour Effect Jean-Benoît and Julie chronicle the lessons they learned after they returned to France to live, for a year, with their twin daughters. They offer up all the lessons they learned and explain, in a book as fizzy as a bottle of the finest French champagne, the most important aspect of all: the French don't communicate, they converse. To understand and speak French well, one must understand that French conversation runs on a set of rules that go to the heart of French culture. Why do the French like talking about "the decline of France"? Why does broaching a subject like money end all discussion? Why do the French become so aroused debating the merits and qualities of their own language? Through encounters with school principals, city hall civil servants, gas company employees, old friends and business acquaintances, Julie and Jean-Benoît explain why, culturally and historically, conversation with the French is not about communicating or being nice. It's about being interesting. After reading The Bonjour Effect, even readers with a modicum of French language ability will be able to hold their own the next time they step into a bistro on the Left Bank.

More books from St. Martin's Press

Cover of the book Queer Astrology for Men by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book A Fortunate Life by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book The Book of Children by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book Inside Out by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book Friedrich Hayek: A Biography by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book Snowblind by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book Dublin Off-Season and On by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book The Imposter Bride by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book Nightwalkers by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book Booty Bones by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book The Red Hot Typewriter by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book The Weight of the Nation by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book Man o' War by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book Run You Down by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
Cover of the book Wedding Belles by Julie Barlow, Jean-Benoit Nadeau
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy