[gerbilly]

The rudeness may not have anything to do with accent, but with manners.

For example when you enter a store in France you are expected to say "Bonjour" upon entering, and "au revoir" upon leaving.

In north america there is no such custom, so we just walk into stores and do our thing and it bothers no-one.

If you do the same in a smaller shop in France, it's slightly rude.

It's not your fault for not knowing that. Also it's not ok for the shop owner to be rude in response to that, but of course some are.

[zeveb]

> For example when you enter a store in France you are expected to say "Bonjour" upon entering, and "au revoir" upon leaving.

> In north america there is no such custom, so we just walk into stores and do our thing and it bothers no-one.

Maybe not in New England, but in other parts of America it's standard to say 'hello' and 'goodbye' to the properietor.