b kramer

Just back from Paris. Found locals very friendly when we attempted to speak our limited French even when they were fluent in English. I had always been told not to try to speak French if it was not needed especially when it was not necessary. <BR>Do others have a thought on the subject of trying to speak French when it is not needed?

Marsha

When I am in France, I always begin conversations speaking in French. Most French people are very patient with me. At some point in the conversation, most of them switch over to English! I think it is important to use French whenever possible, both to improve one's speaking skills and to participate in French daily life as much as possible. In fact, I think most French are impressed that some Americans can speak French or that we even try!

Rachel

My husband and I just returned from France and discovered a huge problem when trying to speak French. The person would answer us in French, so although we had mastered the phrase book for the question to ask, we were clueless as to the answer being provided. If you are proficient enough to both ask the question and understand the answer, go for it. Otherwise, just start any conversation by asking, in french, if they speak English. Most of the people we asked did, making for infinitely easier communication.

Bob

Work on a little French it is needed. Learn the rules of conduct. The French will think it rude if you open a conversation in English. So you open with Bonjour or Bonsoir, Monsieur or Madame and then you can ask Parlez-vous anglais? It's Bonjour to the waiter, to the cab driver and the shop clerk.

elvira

5 weeks in paris, and i try french everywhere. they usually reply in english - mostly, i think, so they can practice their english. start with bonjour or bonsoir, monsieur/madame, and ask your question in french. if they go off on a tear, just ask them to 'parlez lentement, s'il vous plait' and they'll either slow down, or switch to english. <BR> <BR>sorry, folks, i'm on a french keyboard with the letters and punctuation all switched around, so i won't respond much 'til i get home (in 10 more days, sorry to say. no luck with the baron-hunting)

xxx

The difficulties usually begin when you have a desire to speak French and continue a conversation. This is next to impossible unless you have a level of fluency far greater than the level of fluency of a french person speaking English. I do not believe the French like hearing their language massacred and it makes them unconfortable. <BR> <BR>Having said that, it is a good idea speaking a little French as a sign of respect to the host. They will be unusually accomodating in speaking English and very friendly. Just don't try to continue speaking french....

Jerry

Whether you start in French or English, please add a "Thank you" if a francophone switches to English. Please and thank you are very much integrated into francophone culture. It may seem awkward to Americans who are accustomed to being very direct. Especially here in Brussels, every transaction includes a sometimes dizzying array of politeness. <BR> <BR>Keep working on your French. It will come with time.

Melissa

I don't speak French, so I bring my handy-dandy dictionary and point to the phrases that I cannot pronounce. They find it kind of amusing. Then again, I'm Asian-American so they don't know what country I'm actually from!

Dr. Fordor

Dear b <BR>I enjoy speaking and singing in French, with a limited vocabulary, and I mostly do this whilst driving in the car. Generally there is no one around so I can't say its actually "needed," but it makes me feel better. <BR> <BR>Hey Elvira, <BR>It's great to see your mastery of the french key board. How long did it take you to post that response? Is there anyway we can practice that before we go over? <BR> <BR>Dr. Betty Fordor

steve

Asking a question with good enough pronunciation and then not being able to understand the answer used to happen to me in Germany all the time. <BR> <BR>However, travelling in France with my wife who studied French for a few years was great. She was very timid when we got off the plane, but after a week of using it everywhere she could, she was able to carry on a vigorous conversation (including American politics) with a village train station manager for over an hour. <BR> <BR>I think if you are really serious about speaking, then you just have to plunge in.

debbie

Try and speak a bit in French. I have always found that a bit of politeness goes a really long way and the French consider an attempt polite. I have never had anyone be negative with me when I at least tried. In terms of the French keyboard--what a challange! I never did find the period! I f you are in Paris there is a cybercafe that gives you 20 minutes free internet time a day. It is cybercafeVivendi; 6/8 rue de Tilsitt 75008. It is just off the Etoile via Ave Friedland about a block down. They are nice and helpful--and will even help with the keyboard!

cherie

Just returned. We spoke French to open any conversation and usually got English half-way or in response. At restaurants, it halped. We even learned that to say "medium" was how we wanted our steaks cooked, the term is "en point" (awn pwant). My son still felt the steak could have walked off the plate, however! Live & Learn.