I'm going to France in May and I can speak welsh and English and very little French shall I speak welsh there

Question

When i go to France I want to go somewhere where I won't visit again on nolidays. So I was wondering whether to speak welsh because I know little english or speak english. My mates said it would be a joke. but I'm worried that they'll think I'm offending them.

Answer 1

Mmm, to me it seems like a myth. I've been in Paris last month, what i did was to try a little bit in french at the beggining (showing that i'm not an stupid american believing all the mankind has the obligation to speak my language) and when i just couldnt speak any more french, i asked whether they speak anglish, spanish or italian, so they could chose one. Usually, they speak in english.
Howver, welsh seems very unlikely to be teach as a secind language there... so, please try to speal french at the begining and then speak in english.

Answer 2

Trust me, people will just wonder which language you're talking! I know Breton is sort of the same family, but it really DOES NOT sound the same at all (I lived in Wales).

As for English, most people CAN'T speak English, except maybe in Paris and in big towns, but they sometimes remember what they learnet at school. Just learn a few sentences and bring a phrase book with you. They'll appreciate the effort. Some might even try to speak in English if you try French first - but they might not understand you if you speak too fast (no need to speak louder - it's just the speed and the accent that's a problem, we are not deaf!), and you might not understand them when they speak English!!! Most people will be nice, though, if you make the effort. And most waiters in towns can say a few words, enough to get by.

Answer 3

You could try Welsh if you stick to Brittany, (the languages are very similar). Otherwise don't think it would be helpful. The French don't hate the English. It's a one way thing. They'll be happy to take your money from you - even if you only speak English

Answer 4

I am not sure people would understand you if you speak Welsh, although there is a region if France where people are very proud of their language, Breton a Celtic/Gaelic language, which I believe has common roots with Welsh (as well as with Irish and Scotish Gaelic). People won't be offended if you try a few words in French (learn a few like "Bonjour" (hello) "S'il vous plaît" (please) "Merci" (thank you) and then your English, in fact most will try to communicate with you whatever the language ! Bear in mind there are rude or ignorant people in every country unfortunately but the French are usually intelligent, curious and like to chat so good luck and enjoy your stay.

Answer 5

Speak Welsh, the French seem to have quite a poor opinion of the English and I found when I lived in Luxembourg, a neighbouring country, the fact that I was Welsh stood me in good stead. Try to have a go at some of the basics in French (hello, thank you etc.) as any country appreciates someone who makes an effort. However you will probably find if you are going to a tourist area most people will speak English so you can use that as your common language. Have a great time, bon voyage a pob lwc! x

Answer 6

I think the Frenchpeople won't understand you. I was in France 2 years ago and they can't speak German or English very well. They really enjoy it to speak in their own language and feel a little bit offended when you talk with them in a different language.
Learn a few French words or take part in some Frenchlessons and buy a dictionnary.

(Sorry for my bad English, I'm from Germany!)

Answer 7

Although the breton language is actually very similar to welsh, in reality, no one will understand you, although if you are with friends who also speak welsh it might not be so much of a problem.

Answer 8

I envy you being able to speak Welsh..I wish I could speak Gaelic ..at least you can talk to your family and - they French will not have a clue what you are saying... they would speak French if the came over here ...so you keep to your Welsh ...and do what they do - only speak English when they really have to.

Answer 9

the french don't like the english very much but then again i don't think many will speak welsh

Answer 10

'Faut que je corrige... =] Je vais voyager EN France pour LA premierE fois CET ete, et je voudrais savior si, quand on essaye DE parler avec un natif, on va VOUS parler [en] francais, ou [en] anglais. Mes amis m'ONT DIT qu'ON va parler en anglais, pas francais. Est-ce vrai? As a general rule, Parisians will usually only switch to English if you have very poor French. You should always approach someone there in French, and they will decide to respond in either English or French. If you and your friends are in high school, however, it would be more than likely that you will be replied to in English. A vrai dire, il vaudrait mieux d'etudier un petit peu avant que tu partes. Personne en France n'aura envie de t'aider si tu parles francais comme une vache espagnole !! Have a wonderful time in France, and best of luck with your travels!