can i survive in paris
Dec 28th, 2001, 05:13 PM
#2
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Yes, you can survive, (mostly). Nearly everyone speaks some if not fluent English. Still, you should pick up one of those small books like"French At a Glance" or Berlitz's pocket dictionary and phrase book, so that you know how to say basic expressions and ask for directions.
Dec 28th, 2001, 05:39 PM
#3
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Yes I agree you can survive easily. It makes a much more pleasant conversation when you try to speak a little bit of French by telling them "please" and "thank you" in Fr. it shows a effort on our part. The pocket dictionary is a good idea. Have fun!
Dec 28th, 2001, 05:46 PM
#5
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I really think you will have no trouble getting along. I speak no French to amount to anything. And as for those Berlitz type language books, I find them useless except perhaps for the food dictionary part. You might ask a question, but how do you understand the answer!! The person you ask is not going to quote the response in the book to you!!<BR>
Dec 28th, 2001, 11:39 PM
#7
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Bonjour Chuck,<BR><BR>We had American friends visiting last May who were in exactly the same situation as you. They spent 1 week with my mother, who hadn't been using her very sketchy English in more than 30 years, and my friends were surprised at how much Spanish helped them understand a lot of French words. This is hardly a surprise though, since both languages are related. <BR>You will find, as has already been said here, that many Parisians speak English, and if you start a conversation with "bonjour" most people will try to make an effort at remembering their 4 years of high-school English. Don't be embarrassed if you feel you're butchering the language in your attempts to say a few words: the smiles or even occasional laughs (followed by an explanation and some corrections) you'll encounter are generally friendly and appreciative of your efforts. Conversely, you are perfectly allowed to laugh at their mistake, provided you explain what's so funny.<BR><BR>Have a great time in France.
Dec 29th, 2001, 01:08 AM
#8
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Chuck,<BR><BR>You'll survive just fine. I ditto other posters in saying it's important to learn a few words like please, thank you, good morning, good evening, etc.<BR><BR>We also learned to say "Where am I" and "Where is..." in French. And then hold out the street map and everytime we were helped!! It was great. Sure they knew we were tourists. But we were polite and they were helpful. What more could you ask....<BR><BR>Happy travels!!!!
Dec 29th, 2001, 09:24 AM
#9
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To answer to your exact question is yes, you can survice, BUT you will not be always treated well if you do not speak about ten key phrases, which I do not think is too much to ask for a trip.<BR><BR>If you go into store, etc. and ask how much is something, etc., even in French, as a first things out of your mouth, you are asking to be treated like an ugly tourist. You must say Bonjour. Failure to do is nearly unexcusable. After this, they will overlook your other snufus.<BR><BR>Nearly eveyone I dealt with, especially young ones and those engaged in tourist industry speak VERY GOOD English. BUT do not demand that they speak English, you must ask if they speak English first. It is as simple as this.
Dec 29th, 2001, 10:48 AM
#10
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It's always nice to know a few phrases, although it is impossible to learn the language of every country to which you may want to travel. I have been places where I was border-line fluent, and some where I was almost mute. <BR><BR>When I don't speak the language, I find that if I look pleasantly stupid and smile people are almost always willing to help.<BR><BR>I would never hesitate to go somewhere because of the language barrier.
Dec 31st, 2001, 09:09 AM
#11
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I survived with being able to say little more in French than hello, please, sorry, excuse me, sir/madam/miss, how much, what is this, good day/evening, & do you speak English. <BR><BR>I found that some Parisians replied "no" when asked (in French) if they speak English. I'd then ask (in French) "A little?" and would often be told yes, a little. Their idea of a little was much more than my "little" French. They may say they don't speak English because they aren't completely fluent.
