In France, work on linguistic (im)politeness in French originated in the research on cultural variation and invariants in verbal interactions carried out by Catherine Kerbrat-Orecchioni in the 1990s.

While Tony Blair tackles what is perceived in the UK as a problem of lack of respect in society, France is fighting its own battles. The French government had a simple solution for any lack of respect ...

France's state-owned railways are hiring hundreds of 'politeness police' to clamp down on bad manners on the nation's trains. The new employees will be 'conflict specialists' sent in to tackle ...

French politeness is predicated on the use of formulations. You don’t need to talk extensively (in fact, you shouldn’t unless you know the person), but you must always say “Bonjour.” When you walk ...

Tourists and expats in France are quick to complain about rude servers at restaurants and cafés, but photo evidence has emerged to suggest it's the customers who should work on their manners. We all ...

Good morning. I'm David Greene. Next time you're in France be sure to mind your manners. The mayor of a small town near Paris has introduced new rules on politeness. Anyone who fails to say hello or ...

Qu’est-ce que c’est?: A cafe on the French Riviera has gained international notoriety after reminding customers to mind their manners. What started as a local joke generated an internet buzz this week ...

According to authors Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoit Nadeau, the word bonjour might be the most important word in the French language. The Canadian writing duo are behind the new book The Bonjour Effect: ...

Adept at speaking French, behaving with French politeness and outdoing even French diplomacy when it comes to haggling around a green table are the statesmen of Turkey, first of countries downed in ...

In the small town near Paris, anyone who fails to say hello or thank you to staff at the town hall will be asked to leave. A recent poll did find that 60 percent of French people list bad manners as ...