French Immersion and Assimilation: Language and Culture

French immersion and assimilation go hand in hand. French immersion requires a simultaneous exposure to language and culture. Landing in France without any language skills can be challenging enough when on holiday, but when you arrive to live permanently you are also required to assimilate into French culture. French immersion is confronting and requires a sustained effort so don't be tempted to associate with other English speaking people because it is easier, take the plunge and dive right in at the deep end. Accept every invitation to engage with the locals, especially at the times when you feel out of your depth. Engaging in the language and culture is the fastest way to French immersion and assimilation. Why not combine practising the language while hiking in the French Alps.

"On va passer un weekend en avril dans les alpes; veux-tu venir avec nous?

"Um...Pardon?"

"She's asking you if you would like to go to the French Alps with them for the weekend. They go every year to La Clusaz in the Haute Savoie and rent a chalet with the same group of 35 people to go hiking."

"Oh, oui, merci!"

It's very difficult to assimilate into a new culture if you don't speak the language fluently, so an opportunity to spend some time with native speakers in a relaxed setting is very attractive. French people often do not speak any English especially outside of the larger cities; and nor should they. The problem for the foreigner is complicated further when the natives avoid speaking to you because they know you do not understand a lot of French. How then do you get to practise and improve your competency with this new language? Find a captive audience. By living with them you gain automatic exposure to language and culture, and the interaction is forced upon you.

A whole weekend living in the same chalet with a large number of natives is ideal; when the strain of talking to a foreigner gets too much for one person I simply move on to the next. Communication entails more than just speaking however. There's that whole protocol of living and interacting to learn as well; the cultural differences. This is the beginning of the road to full immersion and assimilation.

Going with the locals means that I will discover small villages off the tourist route, and I have experienced guides for the hike. The chalet is located in a small village just outside La Clusaz, a ski destination in the Haute-Savoie. It's spring and there is some snow on the ground but the walking paths are clear.

We pass through La Clusaz and arrive at the chalet and I am introduced to the gang as the Australian. "Ah! Tu es Australienne? Ils sont des vrais malades la bas, n'est ce pas?" (You're Australian? They're real sickos over there, aren't they?) I agree and immediately feel welcome although slightly out of my comfort zone with being the oddity and sudden focus of interest. I find these people to be in stark contrast to the austere and standoffish Dijonais, the inhabitants of Dijon the city that has become my new home.

As it turns out, going on holidays to the same place every year with the same group of people is quite French. This tradition is parodied in the popular French films 'Camping' and 'Les Bronzes'. I make the comparisons between the films and their weekends at La Clusaz in the Alps and giggle to myself. However someone notices my laughter and I have to explain. "Um, c'est comme le film 'Camping' ici." Now that the scrutiny turns to them, they seem slightly uncomfortable too but laugh anyway and we share jokes about the films. Actually, they make all the jokes; I just nod and laugh like an idiot.

Our 20km walk up a few hundred metres through the Alps is a stunning success thanks to the knowledge and careful planning by one of the group. We arrive back down in La Clusaz just in time to drink an aperitif at the bar. Aperitif is a sacred tradition that takes place just prior to dinner, and one that I intend to integrate into my own set of living standards. Some cultural changes are just so damn easy. Sante!

My eating habits have to change in this group too; all the food has been bought and we are to cook with what is provided. 'We' means the women. Normally a pseudo-vegetarian I have to contend with an overwhelming selection of pork products including terrines, pies, pates and dried sausages, absolutely no vegetables unless you count a few lettuce leaves and pieces of tomato, and an abundance of cheese. I learn very quickly how to slice cheeses. Apparently it is frowned upon to cut the nose off the cheese except for certain varieties, and one is expected to slice it lengthwise. I offer my apologies and take instruction. Oh and, when you can't eat anymore don't say "J'ai eu suffit," because this translates to "I've had enough of this!!!"

The wine flows and suddenly I find myself at the centre of attention yet again when they ask me to lead the singing. I warn them that they will regret this forever but they don't listen and insist I sing and teach them the meaning of the words to 'Bring Back My Bonnie' of all things. After a few glasses of Genepy (a local plant-based liqueur) I'm singing it even though I don't know the words.

On the final night the women go on strike (a popular French past-time) and decide the men will do the cooking. The men agree eagerly and without complaint. "Gee that's a huge cultural difference," I think to myself. I'm impressed. Well, see for yourself; I'll allow the pictures to do the explaining.

I must admit I would never had decided on my own to rent a chalet in the French Alps with a group of French people I had never met. However this fast track to French immersion and assimilation has broadened my outlook, diminished any concerns I might have had, and has improved my knowledge of the language and culture.