Some are rather rude even when someone tries to communicate in French,they pretend not to have understood,whereas others appreciate the effort....they should be thankful. .....The English do n't even bother.
2007-01-08 05:33:09
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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No, it is not true.
I have escorted many school trips to France and my students have always been welcomed with open arms even if they did not speak a great deal of French. In any case staff at ski resorts are often multi-lingual; you may find that quite a few are actually British, such as chalet girls or skiing instructors, and they come to work there for the skiing season. Stop worrying and enjoy every aspect of your trip, including practicing your French!
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2007-01-08 22:06:19
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answer #2
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answered by WISE OWL 7
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It is true that many French people are very protective of their lanugage, but not that they get annoyed at foreigners not being able to speak French fluently. That would be ridiculous to ask of them!
If you're going to a ski resort they will be used to people not speaking French - they won't be expecting you to know anything beyond bonjour.
On the other hand, they might favour you (as would anyone in any country) if you are prepared to make the effort and at least introduce yourself in French. It's just more polite.
2007-01-08 07:56:12
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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My opinion is no. I am not a native French speaker (but I speak it better than English;). I work in a French company with Frenchmen for a year and a half and I'd rather say that they are very pleased at hearing foreigners speaking their language, even if they make sometimes mistakes. They gladly encourage them, and never correct them if they say smth that does not sound quite French! There is no doub that every rule has exceptions - sometimes they can demonstrate their irony!
So do not be annoyed!
2007-01-08 05:31:16
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answer #4
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answered by Marinika 2
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The crowds at the French Open tennis tournament openly boo the players if they don't speak French after the match when they're being interviewed on the stadium PA.
Although I've been to Paris myself and had no problems with the language as everyone spoke English.
2007-01-08 04:39:15
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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no, but they are annoyed at the English words that are creeping into their language. "Le weekend" and "le beefburger" for example. In fact, about eight years ago a law was passed that radio and television stations must broadcast at least 90% of their programmes in French, and the rest (music, etc) can be in other languages. So French radio is almost always French music and then occasionally you get U2 or other worldwide bands.
It's to do with preserving their own culture - they're very proud to be French and don't see why they should be expected to speak English to foreigners! I can see their point.
2007-01-08 04:41:49
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answer #6
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answered by gorgeousfluffpot 5
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When i went to France, Paris in particular i often used phrases but was given a reply in English. But if you are in rural town they do prefer if you speak french as they will see speaking English as being ignorant. But I think you have to put yourself in there shoes as i find it frustrating when people speak pigeon English to myself. So do try and Learn as if you become lost or need medical attention or the police you will be helped more quickly if you speak French. Most likely if you are with a school you will not be needing a taxi or visiting a market stall. But if you are you will not be ripped off if you learn the language.
2007-01-08 04:48:12
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answer #7
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answered by Lora 2
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While not all French people engage in this behavior, there is in fact a tendency for them to be so intolerant of bad French that they will pretend not to understand a person's French.
There is a saying in France: "il parle francais comme une vache espagnol." Meaning, "He speaks French like a Spanish cow."
An American accent sounds particularly bad in French. On the other hand, French women tend to be charmed by an Irish accent in French, go figure.
2007-01-08 04:45:36
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answer #8
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answered by sonyack 6
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No, the French manner can seem aloof, which can be seen as rude or annoyed but its not really.
Once they realise I'm an English person you can see the look of resignation in thier faces and they start to talk English. I normally try to carry on in French but often end up getting a full service for my car and a light perm for the wife when all i wanted was a bagette and directions to the train station.
I try to speak a little French when i'm there. i don't know if they are just humouring me, or patronising me, but i seem to get on ok
2007-01-08 04:41:21
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answer #9
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answered by Michael H 7
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I went last year on a bicycle trip through the Midi Pyrenees. Can't speak French. Can order coffee, beer, red wine and say things like good morning etc.
But I met friendly french people and specially in the tourist Branch they used to people who don't speak french.
Like in all other country's i visit, keep smiling, learn a few basic words. like goodmorning (bonjour). goodbey(au revoir), and most of the people Will be friendly.
And wenn they start talkin back smile and say, sorry I don't speak french. Pardon, je ne parle pas Francais.
2007-01-08 06:23:46
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answer #10
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answered by pffffffff 5
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No matter where you go there's always two sorts of people, at least. Yes, of course there are those that think that if you dont speak their language, you should suck an egg and die. But there's bound to be someone over there that can help you become more fluent.
(Simplified answer:) No, I've been there not all of the french get angry.
2007-01-08 05:10:51
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answer #11
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answered by Anonymous
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