Program 466: The Bonjour Effect; Reporting From Nicaragua

Release Date: 12-10-2016

Description

Montreal-based authors of "The Bonjour Effect" discuss the unwritten rules of conversation in France, and the communication hurdles visitors face — even those who speak perfect French. Then reporter Peter Costantini shares updates from Nicaragua, where he's been investigating problems behind the country's bid to build a canal to rival Panama's.

Guests

  • Jean-Benoît Nadeau and Julie Barlow, authors of "The Bonjour Effect"  (St. Martin's Press)
  • Seattle-based freelance reporter Peter Costantini

Related Links

Program Extras

Cursing in Quebec - Since Quebec missed out on the French Revolution, its culture differs from France in more ways than just its accent. A Travel with Rick Steves listener in Miami asks the Montreal-based authors of "The Bonjour Effect" to illustrate how the trans-Atlantic divide that makes things interesting between Americans and their British cousins, is also evident in the unique types of profanities French Canadians prefer versus what you'll hear someone say in France when they stub their toe. (runs 5:44)

Political Nicaragua - Rick asks reporter Peter Costantini if he thinks Nicaragua is a "banana republic." They discuss Nicaragua's political history with democracy and with American interests, and the major issues the country is confronting today. (runs 10:46)