Will I need to learn a little French if I go to France for 2 weeks?

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Answer Girl 2007

You should learn a little French. One of the reasons that the French dislike American tourists so much is b/c they refuse to try to learn/use their French language. The French take a lot of pride in their culture and heritage, therefore, they feel disrespect that Americans just assume that French people will speak English to them.

Plus, learning and using a little bit of French will help you gain more of a true experience as you travel around.

Zelda Hunter

Generally you'll need to learn a bit of French. Most people there know a little English, but refuse to use it. It won't be hard to pick some up. Get on of those language courses on tape or CD so you can hear it being spoken. Enjoy your trip.

fdm215

You probably don't NEED to learn it but I think it always makes a trip more interesting. It's nice to be able to say "thank you", Hello, ask simple questions (maybe). I think people appreciate your effort, especailly if you are off the beaten tourist path. Consider putting together a short list of a common phrases.

Hello, how are you?

Can you help me?

Do you speak English?

Thank you very much.

How much is it?

Where is the bathroom? Train? Restaurant? Hospital?

Bon Voyage!!

MusicMan

It's never too bad to learn a few basics, just incase you need it. Who knows what might happen. Learning french is fun too. Good luck.

I visited Paris in 2003 without knowing a bit of French, and I did fine.

I found that using the phrase "parlez vous anglais" (do you speak English) can really go a long way... it's a lot better than immediately blabbing at someone in English. "Bonjour" (hello), "Merci" (thank you), and "Pardon" (pardon me) are good ones to use, too.

If you're in a big city, though, you'll find that most people you need to deal with speak English.

Kay Neine

yes ..french ppl hate to speak any other language then french. and they can get real rude if you can't speak french. one little advice ..ask the blk french ppl if you get lost with your french . they more politer

Bon voyage

Mz Brunette

I'm taking French and I thought I'd just translate the list of good-to-knows from another comment posted on this question (I chose the most simple translations that I know of):

Hello, how are you?-Bonjour, ca va?

Can you help me: Excusez-moi (Madame/Monsieur)--that should work.

Do you speak English?-Est-ce que vous parlez anglais?

Thank you very much.-Merci beaucoup. (pronounced bow-coo)

How much is it?-C'est combien?

Where is the bathroom? Train? Restaurant? Hospital?-Ou est les toilettes? Ou est la gare? Ou est le restaurant? Ou est l'hopital? (pronoucned hop-it-tal)

Bonne chance :)

eddie_schaap

Oui.

Retarded Genius

i don't think u need to be fluent...most ppl speak english and wud rather u speak it than butcher up their language...but it may be helpful to learn basic phrases like "how much?" "where's the bathroom?" "which way"...u can go to the library or bookstore and pick up a french travel guide....it should have tips to help u...gud luck and have fun on ur vacation if u go.

catherine i

Hi from France !

I think no, just purchase a little book style '' phrase book and dictionary '' by Rick steve's'' by example ...

Have a nice day and welcome to France,

Cat.

Joel C

You may pick up some French, but a lot of people know English.I think the best way to pick up a language is to live in the country.

aaron101001

t would be better if you knew the common words used like thank you, excuess me, good bye. would be better that way!

alan

You do not need to speak french you will learn how to say good morning, goodbye, how much, from the French

PP4865

I have been to France 3 times - and never had to use French. Everyone is happy to use French. If you use please and thank you in French - that will make you easier for them to accept and appologize that you don't know the language. You will get along fine.

Olivier B

You will survive without speaking French asmost people in the tourism industry do speak English; however, it is in your own interest, I believe, to try to learn a little bit of the language, a key component of the French culture.

titemoman

as most people told you, you don't need to learn the language.
But French people appreciate it when tourists try at least to be polite... (Bonjour, Au revoir, S'il vous plaÃ®t, Merci). If you're polite, they're more likely to try to help you even if you speak English afterwards, because you made an effort...
Just imagine what you would think if French tourists were coming at you yelling in French without even asking you if you speak French or if you can help them?
Well, French people just feel the same when some American tourists come at them yelling in English...

M CEE

As far as I can tell, all you need to know is whatever language Muslims speak if you are going to France.

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