2007-09-19 12:01:02 · 9 answers · asked by the rheumatologisr 1 in Travel ➔ France ➔ Paris
Yes, very easily if you are a fluent English speaker.
Contrary to several of the previous answers, English is widely spoken in France.
In a recent survey, 16% of French respondents stated that they spoke English fluently and a very large majority stated that they spoke at least some English.
However, if your native language is something other than English you may have a very difficult time and the wording of your question suggests that English is not your primary language.
2007-09-19 18:27:40 · answer #1 · answered by Rillifane 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People live in America and "survive" even though they cannot speak a word of English. I've encountered them (and have also been insulted by them). I guess that you can survive as long as you have food and a blanket. Your quality of life in Paris will be MUCH better if you could speak some French. Also, if you choose to live in a country for an extended period of time, it's only good manners to learn the local language. More French ppl in France speak English than Americans/Australians/New Zealanders speak French, but you cannot expect every French person to be able or willing to speak English. If you expect a French person to speak German, Spanish or any other language, then you are going to have some difficulty.
2007-09-19 19:53:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can. And I think it's more than fun to try it.
There are lots of foreigners in France and especially in Paris who don't even know how to ask for bread at the "boulangerie" but they manage really well to get by.
Of course it is better to try to prepare your arrival by opening up some French conversation books and to know some basics...like asking for directions, buying stuff, dinening, etc.
As far as French people, they do mostly speak a little English and could help out if you are stuck with something. They do appreciate a lot if you at least try to throw in the dialogue a couple of French words.
I have friends who are American and don't know a lot of French but can live really well with their English.
And by the way, Parisian life as a foreigner can be really great!
Good luck!
2007-09-21 06:38:27 · answer #3 · answered by andreea_t2001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, I spent awhile there myself after having taken only two years of french and I didn't have any problems. In general, Europeans know at least some english so you should be able to get by even if you didn't know french. Also, you'll be surprised at how quickly you pick up the language.
2007-09-19 12:15:18 · answer #4 · answered by monicabing_42 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make the effort, and the Parisians will appreciate it. Hold a conversation in French as long as possible, then tell them you don't know the word for something.
2007-09-23 10:31:48 · answer #5 · answered by Maggie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In general, the French are not very forgiving of those who don't speak their language.
Parisians may be a little more flexible - but a lot depends on how little, and how quick you are to learn.
2007-09-19 12:07:30 · answer #6 · answered by Beardo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that French people don't really speak English cause they don't really learn it at school.
But you can communicate, they know a bit of it, especially in shops and touristic places.
And you will soon learn French ;-)
So don't worry !
2007-09-19 12:23:29 · answer #7 · answered by Dinou 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of people do, although I wouldn't reccommend it if you are an American.
2007-09-20 07:14:04 · answer #8 · answered by alwaysa(ducky)bridesmaid 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure, I did. lots of fun. and before long you will speaking some francais
2007-09-19 12:13:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋