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Communication and cultural differences between France and Lebanon



  • Historical Links

The Cedars of Lebanon
Symbol of holiness, peace and
eternity
                                                                            
La Marianne,  national symbol
of the French Republic.
She is the allegory of liberty

      













France became a democracy after the French Revolution in 1792.

First civilizations of the world emerged in Lebanon, with the Phoenicians.

During the Middle Age, Christian minorities helped the Crusaders, creating tight bonds between them and the French.

After WWII, Lebanon was placed under French mandate. Later, France gave Lebanon a parliamentary system: each government office was apportioned to a representative of the country's main sects, with the presidency reserved for the Maronite Christians. The privileging of Christians in governmental positions was one of the main reasons for the civil war, when the population percentage shifted in favor of the Muslims.
  • Society and values
Family is not as important in France
Political, economic and social lives
 do not revolve around it


In Lebanon, family lies at the core of society





Lebanon praises patriarchy and 
respect of men and elders


The French raise their children to be 
autonomous and independent,
no matter their gender or social background 


 

Lebanon is divided between Sunnis, Shi'as 
and Christians However there are many religious minorities

60% of France is atheist and the rest
 is a wide array of various religions





  • Landmarks and monuments
Beirut


The Eiffel Tower



Le Panthéon

Byblos




 




Byblos port
The French Riviera

Saida
Mont Saint Michel                 








Baalbeck











  • Architecture
Lebanese architecture influenced by Ancient civilizations while French architecture is influenced by artistic movements such as classical, baroque…





  • Music


France boasts with a wide variety of folk music while modern pop music has seen the rise of popular French rap, French rock and electronic/techno music.

While traditional folk music remains popular in Lebanon, modern music reconciling Western and traditional Arabic styles, pop, and fusion are rapidly advancing in popularity.






French Music: Edith Piaf













  • Fashion


One of the most important aspects of French culture

Regularly celebrated with events such as Fashion Week, exhibitions, etc.

French style, as opposed to Lebanese style, is rather simple yet modern and luxurious.

Traditional and ottoman dressing is now only part of the folk culture
Deeply influenced by Western culture
Renowned Lebanese fashion designers : Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Rabih Keyrouz
Lebanese everyday style remains very extravagant


Keys to good communication in France



In France, the key to good communication is respect
Respect as idiom
Although the French are not welcoming or “warm” they are very keen on politeness
Cannot instantly feel at ease with someone
Focus on the use of words rather than on gestures
“La bise” is a formality


Keys to good communication in Lebanon


In Lebanon, the key to good communication is hospitality
The Lebanese are very warm and 
Idiomatic kinship
Lebanese tend to be rude but insist on being friendly as soon as they meet someone
Mediterranean: tend to use gestures and body language a lot more



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