Understanding French Indirect Communication: 'La Langue de Bois' Explained

One indirect way of communicating is through French culture, specifically through the use of nonverbal cues and subtleties. In French culture, directness and confrontation are often avoided in favor of subtle hints and innuendos. This is known as 'la langue de bois' or the 'wooden language.'

For example, if a French person wants to decline an invitation, they may say something like 'I will try to come' or 'I will think about it,' which actually means they are not interested in attending. Similarly, if a French person wants to criticize someone, they may use a roundabout way of doing so, such as saying 'That's an interesting choice' instead of directly stating their disapproval.

This indirect communication style can be confusing for those unfamiliar with French culture, as the true meaning of a statement may not be immediately clear. However, it is an important aspect of French communication and is often used to maintain social harmony and avoid conflict.