Do citizens of France speak English?

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keepsondancing

Most Europeans are at least bi-lingual and many are tri-lingual. Anyone associated with the hospitality industry (tourism) will be fluent in English. They all know that most Americans never learn another language.

However, it is a mark of respect to be able to sat AT LEAST a few words in the host country's language. It's just common courtesy, before you go, to learn to say some of the more common French phrases: good morning, good day, good evening, please, thank you, how are you, etc. Your visit will be much more enjoyable when you do!

Eric K

Many French people speak English, especially in the cities and tourist ares. But since you are going to their country, it would be nice for you to learn some basic words. Quite often if a tourist at least attempts to communicate in a native language the locals will be more helpful and courteous. And try to get the pronunciation right too. If you mangle the language you will get looks and often bad attitudes. Just the basics are a good start ie. Hello, excuse me please, do you speak english, miss, madame, sir, goodbye and thank you..etc.

duoak

Most citydwellers in France will speak English. If you go further out into the countryside, a lot of people will not speak English.

Althought most Parisians will speak English, you should at least make an effort to speak French.

frenchy

The official language of France is French. However, there are many people who have studied English and speak it well. If you stick to very "touristy" areas, you should be fine with very little English. However, I warn you, I would greet the person first in French, before demanding they speak English with you. A simple Bonjour, or Pardon will be fine, but it is considered rude to immediately assume they speak English. Also practice saying, Parlez vous anglais? (Par-lay voo ang-lay?)

PAWS

Having just been in France, I will tell you that I did not once run into anyone who was rude or did not want to help me. Even strangers on the street stopped and in english offer us directions (when they saw our puzzled looks over a map)! Even in the smallest of towns, everyone was extremely pleasent and happy to help.

I do know some french but am very self-concious so I would say "bonjour" and as soon as they realize I'm not french, they replied "hello" and spoke in English. If you do run into someone who won't help move on until you find someone. I find in North America even english people talking to english people you can face unpleasentness so don't let it phase you. Just have a wonderful time!

El Sombrero

Hi from France,

More and more people are speaking English in France. We almost all learn it at school, but most of us also lack practice...
If you can learn a few key sentences in French, it will help you. Otherwise, when speaking English, try not to speak too fast. This is the common mistake : even if you find someone who speak English, don't forget he may not be used to have conversations in English.

And for the ones who think we just don't want to speak any other language than French :
Yes, we're proud of our language. But we also know that English is THE international language, and so have to learn it.
You'll also find many people eager to speak English, sometime just to have a chance to use use what they've learned.
And according to my experience, it's the same for any other non-English country... I've been working with German, Italian, Spanish, Greek, etc. people : we were using English.

ewwwenglish4francecom

more and more it seems

Emily L

Some French people are bi-lingual, they speak english too

paris

After 12 answers, the only thing I can say is: Bon voyage!

tokala

Every children in France learn English at school. But after school, most people don't talk English, so some people forgot (that's why I can't talk Spanish anymore).

In big city, you'll find people talking English in stores, and the majority of us can speak English to help you find your way in the street.

If you come for vacation in France, I suggest that you learn a few French words (to say thanks, hello, please, bye, where are the restrooms (very useful sentence ;o) )...) And beside that you'll speak English.

Buy a small conversational book (like harrap's or lonely planet) or a small dictionary, it'll help

That's what I do when I travel actually

MicD

if they do know the english language, most french people will grudgingly speak it... i am told that they feel it is below their dignity to speak english! good luck to you if you don't speak french!!!!! my advice would be to try to learn some phrases, though if you don't speak in the right accent etc,., they would probably ignore you anyway!!! :-) BON VOYAGE!

AttoresLyjin

Yes they speak but don't like English language and people from UK .They think that french language is the best and people from other countries should speak in France only French language.

Monkey-Finger U.K

Even if they can, they wont cos theyre stuck up their own ungrateful, surrender monkey arses and think we should address them in French.

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