Is perfect french needed in France?

Question

I just heard that one needs to speak perfect french in order to not be ignored. Anyone has been through this experience?

Answer 1

No, you don't need to speak perfect French. Problem is, it IS difficult to understand some foreigners when they speak in French (pronunciation). I had a bf once who would tell me things in French (we were in London) and I had NO IDEA what he was saying!

The idea is just to make the effort and speak very slowly, and repeat things if they don't seem to understand.

In big cities, more and more people can speak a bit of English, and they'll probably switch to English if they can't understand you, or just because they have the opportunity to speak with a native speaker.

WARNING: Parisians can indeed seem rude They are actually rude to EVERYBODY, not just foreigners! Just kidding. They are not ALL like that. But waiters can be a bit snobby, and they have the right to be so if it's rush hour (!).

Generally speaking, if you speak French a little bit, you'll be fine. Just remember to say "Bonjour" when you go into a shop! It was weird for me when I lived in the USA for 9 months because shop assistants don't say "Hi" when you go into a shop. Some French people don't do it either, and I find that rude!

What else... If you go to a restaurant, always wait to be seated. Ask for a table for (2/3/4). Dutch people don't do that, and just sit at the table, which used to drive me crazy (I used to be a waitress).

Anyway. Remember that French people like to argue. It's not meant to be rude. We just like it! Most people won't bear a grudge on you if you state your opinion and they disagree (except for a few morons, of course).

Answer 2

You will find rudeness anywhere you go, France is no exception, and there's no particular rudeness there, not more than anywhere else. You don't need to speak perfect French, most French people will speak English. It will help if you can speak a little French (hello, thank you, please, excuse me, that sort of thing). It will make them feel like you're not undermining the language, and you're making an effort, even if you don't really speak the language. Making an effort is the basis in communication.

Oh, and most of all, don't be rude to French people who may have some difficulty with speaking English. They too are making an effort to help you in your own language, give them that chance!

Answer 3

In the cities everyone speaks English and won't hardly speak to you in French. In the villages that is often not the case, but I have only come across one person ever who wouldn't tolerate my mediocre French enough to figure out what I was trying to say. That said, your spoken French doesn't have to be perfect, but it will be easier if you understand basic French spoken by a native speaker--it is much harder than in a classroom. It is very easy to get around in France even with no knowledge of French as long as you have good common sense.

Answer 4

No, but if you mispronounce a word they just won't understand it. It's not rudeness just the way they talk. The rude ones are usually in the city where they have no patience for tourists. In the villages and smaller cities, people are nice and very flattered when foreigners speak French. They will probably correct your accent a lot too.

Answer 5

I've been to France 3 times. In my experience, most people spoke English. When I tried to speak to them in French they'd answer me in English.

Answer 6

Yes, but you will have to switch to international French when in France and avoid using idioms. The Parisians will not understand Quebecois expressions and idioms at all.

Answer 7

Mine isn't perfect and I was never ignored there. Do remember to say "bonjour monsieur/madame/madamoiselle" when entering shops/being attended by waiters etc. The French consider it common courtesy, and I think much of their "rudeness" is a reaction to what they perceive as rudeness (americans coming into their places of business and not saying hello; to them this means you think you're better than they are).

Bon voyage.

Answer 8

Well, that's what they say. They also insist you can't get along with just English. But when we were in Paris and I tried using my french, they quickly discovered they could speak English after all. I guess it was less painful than listening to me butcher their language.

Ah, well. C'est la vie!

Answer 9

Usually just trying to speak the language is enough. Except in France where people might snub you, but if you're spending money they'll get over it.

Answer 10

Not personally, but I can tell you that French people think they're just the greatest country ever and if you botch their language, they will think you an uncivilized loser. But that's only in the cities. Most of them speak English anyways.