Need French Phrase Book suggestions
 

Does anyone have suggestions for a very tiny (thin) French language phrase book. I know some french and understand pronunciation, just need grammar/translation help. <BR> <BR>Merci! <BR> <BR>Judy

Check out Rick Steves. He has a purse size one with phases that are everyday type as well as some special helps.

My favorite is Barron's French At A Glance. Well organized, phonetic pronunciations provided, and lots of other useful information.

I have the Berlitz little phrase book. <BR>It might do in a real pinch, but for the most part it is not all that useful to me. What it has is not what I find myself needing.

I agreed that Rick Steves has a great little phrase book.

Judy, the home page of Fodors has an icon for "Languages" Click on this and you can select French (among others) an you will see common phrases that will be of some help. You can also hear the spoken words/pronunciation. <BR>Neat but limited. Worth a try although it doesn't meet your exact requirements as posted. Doesn't cost anything to see. <BR>Richard

Judy, I've lived in France and found the Barron's pocket translator better, although the Berlitz isn't bad. But if you already know some French and understand pronunciation then try an electronic translator. They're RELATIVELY inexpensive, and slim enough to fit in a purse or backpack or even a jacket pocket, where I carry it. It looks like a palm pilot. Mine, which just broke and I will replace, is by Franklin and it's called the Bookman French/English Dictionary. It has many many more words than a hard copy book and it has grammar AND tenses, which as you know can be daunting in French. The only shortcoming is that it is not organized by phrases, and you will have to hunt by inserting a word, for example, and then view the accompanying phrases. You can read more about it at www.franklin.com

Judy, I'd suggest buying some language tapes especially since you have some familiarity with the language. You can practice in your car, or even on the plane when you go. <BR>In my opinion, phrase books are awkward to use--you're scrambling to find the right phrase right in the middle of a conversation. Also, will you fully understand what the answer is? <BR>I think practicing from tapes, and relying on the English and the good will of French people, will do you just fine.