2006-09-07 05:43:38 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ France ➔ Other - France
In France, don't bother - they will pretend they don't understand you and they will pretend not to speak english - the only thing they won't pretend to do is be civil and polite to their visitors...may I suggest Belgium instead.
2006-09-07 05:49:54 · answer #1 · answered by Clockwork Grape 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
My sister-in-law, who is from Quebec and ONLY speaks French, was spoken to in English by a waiter who didn't understand her.
We were in France this summer--my husband whose first language is French (and who doesn't usually have a Quebec accent), my kids (bilingual from birth) and me. I speak French quite well, thank you very much, and got rather annoyed when people would speak English to me, just because I speak English to my family.
Oh I didn't answer your question at all! All the time, although given a choice I would rather listen to a tour guide or read an information sheet at a museum in English.
2006-09-08 07:58:42 · answer #2 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ignore all the people who are claiming that the French will be rude regardless because they have either never been to France or never attempted the language when they've been there. How would you feel if a Japanese tourist walked up to you and then got irritated that you didn't speak Japanese in your own country? Welcome to France. All they want is for you to know 2 simple words: bonjour and merci. It's amazing how far it will get you because it shows simple politeness.
2006-09-07 15:47:17 · answer #3 · answered by Iknowsomestuff 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LMAO! I love the anti-France comments from people who've never been out of their state. France is amazing and it's clear why they are so proud of their history. Paris is easily the most beautiful city in the world, PLUS you have fashion, great food, culture, good manners, and HISTORY. It takes a bit to get used to the lingo, but once you get the hang of it, it's fine. I lived in France and I NEVER experienced rudeness from people.
2006-09-07 16:07:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have always found the French to be helpful and polite. Maybe because I at least try to speak French even though I am somewhat limited!
2006-09-08 11:15:29 · answer #5 · answered by Rob M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dear Brad,
France is antiamerican,antisemitic and proterriorism. Hopefully, the former are reasons enough not to visit. The country is also rather expensive. Overall, your average french person is only interested in his language.
2006-09-07 13:01:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's so easy to criticize when you only hear cllichés !!
I have to say this but French are not very good at languagues. You can meet rude people everywhere and be insulted.
I met rude American who think that it's only about them. English is not the main language in world, in business, yes !
Saying that French are antisemitics, it's not true. So I can say American are racists towards Black people.
you have to be open minded !!!
2006-09-08 10:41:12 · answer #7 · answered by ana_1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
always try to speak french. the majority of french people are simply proud (like british people) and expect tourists to make the effort with their language. if you speak french, you will definitely get a better response from people than if you just don't try.
2006-09-08 17:18:43 · answer #8 · answered by me9189 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends really on what part of france you go to. In paris you can try but the waiters then speak english back to you! But in the smaller parts it is definately a lot more appreciated. Try your best.
2006-09-07 13:07:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
All the time, but in Brittany I found that the local people will often switch to Breton until they are sure that you are not a German.
2006-09-07 12:57:00 · answer #10 · answered by boracic1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋