If I speak (limited) French, when should I speak it in Montréal?

Question

This should not be so fraught with anxiety, but.

Am in Ottawa, speak marginal French (French immersion in school, but weak from lack of use), and like to go to Montréal for dinner or what-not now and then. Invariably:

(apropos of me peeking at the back of a restaurant last night)
'Vous cherchez les toilettes?'
(me) 'Oui, merci...'
'Ah -- upstairs and just to the right.'
(me) 'Thanks!'

The second it's evident that I'm Anglo -- the 1st or 2nd time I open my mouth, of course -- I'm always spoken to in English.

Which makes me feel like I might be bordering on rude by trying to conduct things in French at all, as though I might be harbouring nasty assumptions about Montréalais English... It definitely seems rude to persist with my awkward French when faced with perfect English, though.

Outside of Montréal, my French lasts a few more sentences, but in Montréal, even getting a 2nd sentence in in French is rare. What's the preferred behaviour for visitors?

I might've made my French sound worse than it is. I'm fine with the sort of conversation required in restaurants and shops and so on -- I think even with verb tenses; apparently I wasn't completely asleep in grade school -- but my accent is (1) bad and (2) instantly gives me away as Anglophone. So out comes the other person's English; there's little chance to practice!

(As immediately discovered by all slightly disappointed Ottawa kids on their grade 8 Fr immersion school trip to Mtl or Québec City.)

Which leaves me wondering if Franglais isn't the way to go -- 'Allo!' in lieu of 'Hello' or 'Bonjour'...

Answer 1

I don't know how it is in Quebec, but in Belgium and France, I've found that even if a local speaks excellent English, he/she is usually more pleasant if I've started the conversation in French, particularly with a monsieur or madame thrown in. I've had the same situation in Mexico and Spain (with Spanish, obviously).

I think trying to speak in the local language is the polite thing to do, and even if the conversation immediately switches to English, at least you've made the effort to recognize that you're in their country, er, province.

Bonne chance!

Answer 2

No, you are no longer being accurately instructed. If you're employed as a reliable, there's surely no slang used in any respect. Its very unprofessional. We can have an accessory, however its the equal method that any individual from the Midwest might sound exclusive than any individual from California, or New York. Our phrases also are no longer "made up", they are within the dictionary, each final one. You did not even say what French you talk, is it Parisian, Marseilles, or Southern dialect? They all talk another way as good. If you have been relocating to a small town, then sure, they might have a thicker accessory, and viable phrases which are extra acquainted of their group. You're going to an excessively big, and really bilingual town.

Answer 3

You are going to the wrong city! Most Franophone speakers, (French language speakers), also speak English. They will switch to speaking English soon after you speak French. This is done out of courtesy or, in a minority of situations, because they want to practice their English! Go up to Quebec City. And get out of the downtown area. Chances are that few of those locals will speak English to any degree. And they will appreciate your efforts to struggle in French so they don't have to struggle in English, if indeed the person speaks any English at all. Also, they will really appreciate it that you wish to practice your French. Tell them that is what you are doing and they may buy you lunch!.
Quebec city is about 1 and three quarters hours north Northeast of Montreal, if you are driving the speed limit. Few Quebecers do.
Most fire up their after burners on the highway and away they "conduire" (French for drive).
To put it in the vernacular, you'se is in the rong plas if you get to Montreal. It aint no place to practice your French.
Good luck on the highway, & pour parler le Français., bonne chance.
Regards,
Doc. Dan.

Answer 4

I dont really think there is a rule about this,but if u keep speaking French it will improve,u know practice makes perfect,good luck Curious 2006

Answer 5

I would let them know you only speak a little French, "Je parle francais un peu." Hopefully that will get them to understand you know French but are not proficient yet. Good luck:)

Answer 6

Whenever you feel like it. I know very little French and use it in Montreal on rare occasions. I never had a problem.