French people speak at a much softer volume than Americans. In addition to jogging shoes and windbreakers, this is one way that I have come to identify people almost instantly as American tourists – people laughing uproariously, chatting loudly at a restaurant, or calling someone’s name as they walk along the sidewalk (“JOHN! Don’t we turn right just up there?!”). The baseline for acceptable speaking volume is just much lower here, and French people always seem to be aware of how loud they are. I’ve noticed that people adjust their volume based on fluctuations in the environment so that their talking never blares over other conversations and background noises. I’ve even seen (frequently, actually) people cover their mouths when talking on a phone in the Metro to shield the sound of their conversation.
Once you get used to this quietness, it can be quite nice. Things are a bit more subdued, and when the booming voices of Americans are all that you hear over the pleasant buzz of a café, they can seem slightly obnoxious. I sympathize with these tourists, though – as an American, I was also not accustomed to monitoring how loudly I was speaking, and if I ever was, I would err on the louder because it’s a sign of enthusiasm. But when you stop talking and realize that everyone else on the train or in the café is talking at a near-whisper, you change your habits quickly.
Still, it can be very difficult to understand people’s French when they’re talking so quietly. I find myself constantly saying, “Pardon?” and leaning in closer to better understand people. And not to worry – it’s obviously still acceptable to be loud in certain situations, like at bars and parties, and whenever everyone else is being loud, too! In addition, you might see French schoolkids being loud and rambunctious, but you’ll probably also observe a French person hushing them. It seems that the French like their pensive chatter while Americans prefer jovial and enthusiastic discussions.
This image from the “Paris vs NYC” blog pretty much sums it up.
