French or Foe? By Polly Platt. First published by Culture Crossings, 1995

By the author:
o Key words: Friendliness; Strangers/Etrangers; Smiling/Sourire
Americans deal with each other and everyone else in the world in a manner known as "friendly". The French don't. "Stranger" (étranger) means "danger". The two words rhyme in French, too. Smiling at strangers is simply not part of French culture. There isn't even a word in the language meaning "friendly" with its resonance of spontaneous warmth toward everybody".
p. 24

o Key words: Smiling/Sourire
Nothing separates Americans and French people more than their smile codes. No French ways freeze Americans in Paris more, nothing reinforces the "rude, arrogant, cold Frenchman label more. French people smile a lot, they have wonderful smiles. [..] However, they don't smile blandly as they walk down the street. They don't smile without a reason"
p. 24

o Key words: Politeness/Politesse; Manners/Manières
It is possibly the most important phrase in the whole French language:
Excusez-moi de vous déranger, Monsieur (or Madame)"
p. 31

o Key words: Professions
Selling is not one of the respected professions in France. A country where respect is more important than money
p. 72

o Key words: Mistakes/Erreurs
The fact is that mistakes are culturally unacceptable in France.
p.83

Quotes from French people (as quoted in the book):
o Key words: Manners/Manières
"We are taught to modulate our voices in publicIt's mal élevé to be overheard"
p. 43

o Key words: Mistakes/Erreurs
"On n'a pas le droit à l'erreur en France" (One does not have the right to make a mistake in France)
p. 83

o Key words: Lying/Mentir
"In the US, lying is a serious offense. In France you can tell small lies".
p. 88