I'm going to Montreal, will I encounter any problems because I only know a few words of French?

Question

Specifically, I'm going to Six Flags La Ronde, but I'm also going to go see some stuff in the city itself.

Answer 1

You can get by in Montreal without having to speak French as most people there can get by in English. Most of the signs are in English and French as well as most services and menus. I would suggest learning a few French words for "hello", "good-bye" and "thank you" but beyond that just speak as comes naturally.

Answer 2

No, you're not being properly advised. If you work as a professional, there is absolutely no slang used at all. Its very unprofessional. We may have an accent, but its the same way that someone from the Midwest would sound different than someone from California, or New York. Our words are also not "made up", they're in the dictionary, every last one. You didn't even say what French you speak, is it Parisian, Marseilles, or Southern dialect? They all speak differently as well. If you were moving to a small city, then yes, they would have a thicker accent, and possible words that are more familiar in their community. You're going to a very large, and very bilingual city.

Answer 3

A fair amount of people in Montreal never both to learn French. And no body cares if a tourist doesn't speak French but people always like it when they try. Saying "Bonjour" is all it really takes.
Hope you have fun! Are you going to La Ronde on a fireworks night? They're pretty awesome but it also means there's a lot of people and the lines are longer.

Answer 4

No worries, even though Mtl is mostly French speaking, many people still understand the basic of English. Also downtown where most of the tourist attractions are will understand english, that goes for La Ronde also. You really don't even need to try to speak French if you know you are horrible, save yourself and the other person the trouble and speak English.

Answer 5

I was just in Montreal this recent weekend, the signs are all in French, the majority of people speaks French (minority speaks English), but remember, Canada has 2 languages, so it wouldn't be a problem. I got the food ordered at SUBWAY there in Montreal. And they spoke English. I was told that all fast-food restaurants both speak English and French.

So you wouldn't have a problem. I know a few words in French also, soo..

Just go and have a good time. :)

Answer 6

some good answers -- but to any not clear on the concept, simply quoting "agentw40",
"And to the moron with _ response: [if you don't know what the situation is]
you're not too bright either... " In this case: I lived & worked in Montreal. agent_WD40 says he doesn't know French -- what's wrong with him: every resident there should be functionally bilingual. as for "most [slang for almost] everyone there speaks English" -- wrong & he's misleading people. half the Francophones are unilingual, & it's notorious how often busdrivers storekeepers etc., whether they know English or not, refuse to speak English -- fanatical nationalism at work. other responses are theoretical -- Canada is bilingual etc. -- what is this, Quebec (even though we anglophones are hurt by the fact) is officially a "Distinct Society", haven't people heard of Bill 101 & "Language Police"? a solution -- bilingualism, in Quebec & Canada, true, but unfortunately nationalist francophones don't see it that way. best regards to agent_orange & the other teenyboppers.

Answer 7

Sure, there'll be some drunk people at La Ronde who'll razz you, but it's not like you won't be able to make yourself understood. People working in stores, restaurants, etc aren't going to be impolite and no one's likely to get a touristy job without decent English. The "problems", if they come, will be from grumpy locals.

Answer 8

Montrealers are actually pretty friendly to out of towners...
Provided that you tell them you are from out of town, they will go out of there way to try and sort you out. The French folks have a hard time with people who live in Montreal, and only speak English. If you are from out of town, that's different.
There are plenty of English signs to help navigate you through the city. Especially touristy places....you don't have to worry, you will have a blast!

Answer 9

I live and work in Montreal and don't speak a word of French. You won't have any problems since most everyone in the city also speaks english.

Answer 10

I live in Montreal. Don't worry, you get service in english and french at La Ronde.

Most restaurants/places in Montreal also have bilingual people working, so you'll be fine.