Me & my hubby have bought a house in Southern France-We are moving out there, maybe next year, for good. My French language is not that good at the moment. I have read many things on here and elsewhere that say 'if you can't speak fluent French then don't move there'. Obviously you'll never be fully 'fluent' unless you learn from a native speaker i think. Is anybody willing to help me with my language skills once i'm over there?
2007-06-17 03:12:51 · 14 answers · asked by nicola m 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Yes, i'm from UK. I am doing the French Experience books and cd's language course.Started on book 1 and i also have the advanced book when i've finished that one. As to questions on whether French people are friendly-they certainly are in the south-markets stall holders-shop assistants-official people eg mayors,solicitors,general public. This world is what you make it-if you act unfriendly-you will get unfriendliness back don't you think?
2007-06-17 03:26:43 · update #1
hiya-my email is mrsmsherbals@btinternet.com for anyone who wants to help me with my language and not criticise french people!
2007-06-17 12:04:07 · update #2
Friendly French people? That's an oxymoron in its self.
2007-06-17 03:21:18 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. BIG 6 · 7⤊ 9⤋
Hi Nicola,
I'm French and I moved to England one month ago. I really think that you will enjoy it! Southern France is fantastic!! Good gastronomy, sunny weather, tremendous landscapes! Concerning the language, you will have to practice and for sure if your French is not perfect, some people might be reluctant to speak with you, but those who say that it is typical from France never went abroad since I face the same problem here!
Just keep being so open-minded and smiling, it is the best international language! I would recommend you to strive to meet the most French speaking people as possible and watch French TV progs... That's what I did here and it is the best simple way to improve rapidly! But you are very courageous since I have to admit that French is a very difficult language, but French people know it and will be accepting. If not, they are stupid. But is there any country without any single stupid person?
Congratulations again! Bienvenue en France!!!
2007-06-19 11:15:02 · answer #2 · answered by Charly 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That's rubbish. For a start, there are loads of English speakers in Southern France, it's really popular for holiday homes. Secondly, the French have very good English, the vast majority of them have at least a few words, and lastly, they're very helpful. If you're making an effort, they'll try to help you back.
2007-06-20 14:42:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you're are spending money, you'll find a lot of friendly people anywhere in the world.
When I moved to the German part of Switzerland in the 70s I could speak French, but my German was limited to 'Mother is cooking cakes in the kitchen.' Shopping in local shops rather than supermarkets was a great help, because it forced me to speak the lingo. I also used to read and try to understand the free newspapers which came through the letter box. It's an attitude of mind. Go for it.
Forget Oxford Dictionary - Larousse is much better. After all, you're trying to learn French, not English.
2007-06-17 11:13:53 · answer #4 · answered by cymry3jones 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋
It's not necessary to speak French fluently from the start. Just show them that you're trying to speak French and to be sensitive to the local culture, and willing to learn more about the language and the culture. Read the local newspaper and watch French TV and talk about it at the local baker and butcher. Learn about the local food and wines. Watch some French movies in original version, "La Môme" (about Edith Piaf) and the "Taxi" movies would be a good start. And learn to complain about those Parisians city folks.
2007-06-17 10:51:12 · answer #5 · answered by Erik Van Thienen 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
it's a complete stereotype when people say that the French people are mean to people who don't speak French. My dad lived in Southern France for several years and became completely fluent. I've been several times and have never had a bad experience with someone criticizing me for speaking English. Just be patient and it'll come.
2007-06-17 11:32:35 · answer #6 · answered by eli_xy 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Hi nicola.
I'm a brit who lives in Southern france, (near Marseille) and I didn't speak any French when I arrived.
Nothing bad came of it!
I now speak more or less perfect french, and have taken master's degree level exams in french and passed every time.
Add extra details to your message if you'd like me to contact you and offer to help out with any language problems.
2007-06-17 16:14:01 · answer #7 · answered by savs 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You'll have a job on finding one. Don't come over here wearing rose tinted specs as you'll get them knocked off your nose pretty quickly.
French is quite a difficult language and if you don't have the basics i.e. from school study, then you are going to have problems.
Learn from as many tapes, language adult education courses and books as you can whilst still in England and make sure you buy the best Oxford French-English dictionary you can afford. Good Luck!
2007-06-17 10:20:24 · answer #8 · answered by sugarbabylove 2 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Oui, fancais est tres facile.
Download French podcasts from Itunes. listen to them and learn all about french culture and life. They are free and the guy is french so there you go, you are listening to a french native speaker.
I am English and 15. I speak good french, the only way you can really learn is by going out there. Most people speak English any way. Just ask them to translate in both laungages, you'll soon learn!
Bon chance!
2007-06-17 10:20:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋
you said that you will move by the next year you can take French courses and try to write your dairy in French that will help you and you can buy a speaking dictionary it will teach you the basics of French like the words that you should use in a restaurant and the days and the numbers...etc, but don't be afraid my old sister is living in France and she took courses and when she went there she went to the shops and talked to people and learnt from there
j'aime France beacoup ( I love France very much )
have a nice day :-)
2007-06-17 10:29:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 6⤋
I can help you with French, I'm native. Never mind if you're not fluent when you come ; you'll learn on the job.
And please, stop with those cliché about French people, most of us are welcoming, even if you don't speak French.
2007-06-17 12:40:36 · answer #11 · answered by Dori 6 · 2⤊ 4⤋