Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Location: Near Tours, France about 47°10'N 0°25'E
2,860 posts, read 5,233,560 times
Reputation: 1957
Advertisements
Milions if people who do not speak a word of french visit our country every year... They manage to do all the basics things : shopping, visiting museums, train and bus...
We are not an anglophone culture but Most people can speak at least a few basic words of english, like me, i think that is enough to be able to communicate...
The only thing to do, to avoid be seen as an "ugly American" who thinks that the whole wotld should be like Texas is just to ask to people if they can speak english before talking to them in english... Most people will say "yes"
And saying hello. That's all
A few years ago, I participated in a short-term study abroad program in Geneva, Switzerland. Interestingly, most of the people spoke very good English. Whenever I went out with friends, the restaurant staff conversed with us in English. We were asked to speak French only on two occasions. They didn't take offense, but seemed a little surprised that we weren't multi-lingual. I'm hoping that the French will be as gracious as the Swiss.
Geneva is unusual in that it has a huge expat population that works at the UN. It's also a much bigger tourist draw than most other parts of French Switzerland. On the other hand, Paris is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Europe, so you might be in luck. I find it helpful to try to meet people halfway, but that may no longer be necessary in the 21st Century. English is more widespread in Europe since the last time I was there, that's for sure. But you may find that French is necessary in grocery stores and small shops. I'll be interested to hear how your experiment goes. In any case, you seem to have the right attitude. Good luck!
Milions if people who do not speak a word of french visit our country every year... They manage to do all the basics things : shopping, visiting museums, train and bus...
We are not an anglophone culture but Most people can speak at least a few basic words of english, like me, i think that is enough to be able to communicate...
The only thing to do, to avoid be seen as an "ugly American" who thinks that the whole wotld should be like Texas is just to ask to people if they can speak english before talking to them in english... Most people will say "yes"
And saying hello. That's all
Geneva is unusual in that it has a huge expat population that works at the UN. It's also a much bigger tourist draw than most other parts of French Switzerland. On the other hand, Paris is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Europe, so you might be in luck. I find it helpful to try to meet people halfway, but that may no longer be necessary in the 21st Century. English is more widespread in Europe since the last time I was there, that's for sure. But you may find that French is necessary in grocery stores and small shops. I'll be interested to hear how your experiment goes. In any case, you seem to have the right attitude. Good luck!
Thanks Ruth4Truth, I'm very excited about my upcoming vacation!!! I can't wait. I may decide to vlog the experience.
Paris being a very cosmopolitan city, you will most likely be dealing with many people that are not french during your trip. As a result they will not take offense in your lack of French language command. Parisians will not take offense if you speak English to them, they will know you're a tourist. By the same token, while many people have at least basic knowledge of English, don't take it personally if people can't understand you, as not everyone's English skills are the same . Another important point to keep in mind is that unlike what the stereotype might say, people there do not hate Americans they are typically indifferent at worse.
A few years ago, I participated in a short-term study abroad program in Geneva, Switzerland. Interestingly, most of the people spoke very good English. Whenever I went out with friends, the restaurant staff conversed with us in English. We were asked to speak French only on two occasions. They didn't take offense, but seemed a little surprised that we weren't multi-lingual. I'm hoping that the French will be as gracious as the Swiss.
I've never been to Switzerland, but I can pretty much guarantee the French won't be as gracious as the Swiss when it comes to language. In most western European countries you can get by with just English -- even France and especially in Paris -- but the French will act the most put-out about it.
I've never been to Switzerland, but I can pretty much guarantee the French won't be as gracious as the Swiss when it comes to language. In most western European countries you can get by with just English -- even France and especially in Paris -- but the French will act the most put-out about it.
My wife knows enough French to exchange pleasantries and carry on a very basic conversation. She always does the mannered thing and begins a conversation with a French person in French. Unfortunately, I don't have enough French to even do that. If anyone, not just a French person, doesn't want to hassle with speaking English to me I don't take any offense at all. That's their right. I feel badly when I impose on someone in this way.
I've never been to Switzerland, but I can pretty much guarantee the French won't be as gracious as the Swiss when it comes to language. In most western European countries you can get by with just English -- even France and especially in Paris -- but the French will act the most put-out about it.
Well, I've heard from several non-French-speaking visitors to Paris that people were rude to them, but that was a long time ago. This is why I'm so interested to hear how the OP fares during her visit.
Well, I've heard from several non-French-speaking visitors to Paris that people were rude to them, but that was a long time ago. This is why I'm so interested to hear how the OP fares during her visit.
I've heard that a lot too, and even experienced it myself, but I think that occurs mostly in the extreme touristy places. I've found the French in the North, East and in the South West all very polite and friendly and always willing to help out in English if your French is not sufficient. In the South coast however, I experienced some pretty rude people.
One time my girlfriend at the time who spoke a good word of French, was really trying her best and the woman she tried talking to just rolled her eyes in annoyance with a deep sigh and threw the ticket at the counter in front of her we were so pissed off lol.
I think although in other places the French are very friendly and polite, this is what stays with people and gives the French a bad rep when it comes to language.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
If anyone, not just a French person, doesn't want to hassle with speaking English to me I don't take any offense at all. That's their right. I feel badly when I impose on someone in this way.
we were so pissed off lol.
