Will I get to practice my French in Paris?

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Rillifane

Its not at all a stupid question. You are to be commended for wanting to improve your language skills.

What will be a problem is that so many people in Paris speak at least some English and many speak it with considerable fluency. I notice that when I speak French with my funny sounding accent that French people will reply to me in English just to avoid hearing me butcher the language.

sashmead2001

I'm sorry to disappoint, but Paris isn't the best place to practise French. I live in Paris, although I'm English, and if I'm somewhere with friends (who are almost all English-Speaking), and I speak French with someone, as soon as I speak English to one of my friends, the French person will speak English to me, even though they thought I was French. The problem is that there are so many tourists who don't speak any French, Parisians have developped the mindset of speaking English to all foreigners even if they speak French.

Because Paris is a large busy city, you are right that people don't look favourably to strangers striking up conversation. It's the same in big cities in the US; you don't talk to strangers on New York public transport for example.

If you want to practise French, head out of Paris for a day or two; you're much more likely to speak French there. Also, pretend not to understand English. This is hard, because you'll be tempted to reply (in French maybe) when someone says something in English without thinking, betraying yourself as an English speaker.

Jerry 71

Bien sur, vous allez parler francais en France. It will be unavoidable, but a good experience for you. The French language spoken in France is very different from speaking it in a US classroom. But you will get a lot more from your vacation knowing at least some French. Random conversations might be hard because many working Parisians are pressed for time (like everyone else in any big city) or they might be wondering what you want. Just live your life like a normal person and you will have more than enough chances to speak French. Don't feel like you have to be constantly talking. You can also learn by hearing other ppl (say in a store) talking. If a museum is giving a tour in French, just listen and ask questions if you have any. You can also talk with the hotel clerk and ask for advice about good places to shop, to eat, etc. By US standards, French ppl might be considered reserved. If a French family ever invites you to their home, pls don't go on a self guided tour of their house. Many families just entertain in the living room and dining room and it's considered rude to start poking around. Some elderly couples walking around after dinner might have a friendly random conversation with you.

Tyler

it depends on the person.

some people are willing to talk to strangers, and would prefer not to.

Tyler T

I don't think people in America like French only english. but you'll do fine in paris its fun!

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