Lesson 1.01 Des salutations

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Use the audio controls to listen to each word being pronounced in French. Try saying each word aloud. If you find it difficult to pronounce a certain word, be sure to write down a pronunciation note. Example: salut (sah-l'yu).

While it is very important to offer a verbal greeting when speaking French, you will also be expected to offer a physical greeting. Let's take a look at the options:

If you are meeting someone for the first time or greeting an acquaintance, you will be expected to shake hands with the person (se serrer la main). The French handshake is slightly different from a typical American handshake. While Americans encourage a firm handshake that lasts for two or three seconds, the French grasp hands lightly, shake once and let go. If your hands happen to be full, it is acceptable to offer your elbow or a finger for the other person to grasp.

Two French men shaking hands.

If you are greeting a close friend or a family member, you will typically faire la bise. This gesture is similar to offering an air kiss next to the person's cheek. Keep in mind, la bise is commonly exchanged between two women or a man and a woman. Two male friends or relatives will often greet one another with the handshake; however, la bise is also acceptable among men.

Two French women greeting each other with a kiss on the cheek.

One more difference between French and American physical greetings: you will offer them upon your arrival, as well as your departure.

The Francophone World

When people think of the French language, they sometimes think of it as a language spoken in France or only on the continent of Europe. In reality, French is a language spoken around the world! The following is a list of francophone regions, which are shown in light blue on the map. How many do you recognize?

A map of the Francophone world.

Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos

Africa: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Djibouti, Gabon, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, Reunion

Europe: France, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco

Islands: Haiti, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Martinique, Guadeloupe

North America: Canada, the State of Louisiana

South America: French Guiana

NOTE: Corsica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion are also recognized as a part of France.