Point Langue, Point Culturel (Language Point and Culture Point)

In the books that I use in my French class, it says “Point Langue” and “Point Culturel” when it give information for grammar or culture. So today I am going to give you some tips on the French language (not grammar because that’s BORING) and culture.

Point Langue
I’ve reached a level, in learning French, where I can communicate basically with the word around me. Now, if you talk to me, don’t talk too fast and don’t use big words. But generally I can hold a conversation with one or two people. It is possible for me to speak “quickly” in French, but of course that leads to more errors, which is where my story begins. I’ve noticed recently, I’m a little like Rainman (yes, the autistic guy who had a really good-looking brother). Why? Because when I make an error in speaking, most of the time people understand what I mean and move on with the conversation but I quietly correct myself with the proper grammar and pronunciation. Sometimes this takes two or three tries. Sometimes, I hear a new word and just decide to repeat it until I get it right. I’m pretty sure my French family is ok with this odd habit, but what does the rest of the world think?
“Hello, miss. Can I help you with something today?”
“Hello. Can you helps me with manys things?”
“… Yes.”
“Ok, I’d wants her dress there and… pardon I wants your dress no! No! I would like your.. hmm pardon your (formal) dress there. (nervous giggle)”
“… Ok. What else?”
“Pardon?”
“What else would you…”
“OH YES! Ok, gives me… pardon, I would like shoe windows, please… ah! Please (formal).”
“You want the shoes by the window?”
“Uh… no. The shoes.. oh yes… the shoes by the window… by the window… by the… window..window…shoes by the window.”
“………..What size?”
So on and so forth.
Please, do be patient with foreigners!!!

Point Culturel
For Christmas, I asked my mom to bring me some grits, which she did of course. As American food has never really gone over well in this household (besides American candy), I wasn’t worried about sharing it but I wanted to offer anyway. So one Sunday morning I was on my way to make some grits and I offered to the family and a friend of the family who was staying over. “Well what is it exactly?” they asked. I was at a loss to explain, so I said I would just show them and if they wanted some I could make more. When I spooned a bit onto my plate, everyone at the table made a little sound of disgust. “It looks like the stuff that comes out of your nose” commented the friend. “Well just try a spoonful; it’s really not bad, I promise!” I say. And even though French are all about the trying of different foods, every single person declined.
So, when/if you come to France (1) know that grits aren’t available and (2) if you have them with you, the French won’t want to share.