Can't say as how this may help. Back in my high school days [oh gorp am I gonna 'age' myself] I had a latin teacher who would cuss us out in French when we botched a Latin phrase. You don't want to know the French I know--you wouldn't survive after two sentences; you'd be on your way to the Bastille!! Anyone know how to say in French,"OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!"
My DH and I spent 10 days in Paris last year, not a word of French amongst us, and had no problems whatsoever. I found the people in France to be friendly and helpful and did not encounter one rude French person. You will love Paris.
Everyone should have an opportunity to see Paris. Not speaking the language will not be a problem. I have been there 4-5 times and never had a problem. Buy a dictionary so you can order from a menu if needed.
Keep in mind that in almost every other country EXCEPT the US, speaking at least 2 or 3 languages is standard. This is especially true in Europe. Most French do speak English. For travelers, the French for the most part are helpful. You are there spending money in their country, aren't you?
I am always a little nervous when traveling to another country with a language that I do not speak, but it has yet to be an issue. Tourists coming to America always seem to make it just fine, why can't we in their country?
People were friendly and nice. However, be VERY careful of young children standing close to you. They could be pick pockets. I was on the subway with two young boys and their mother. She engaged me in conversation while the little boy put his hand in the purse and removed $300.00. It was inside a closed purse and an inside zippered pocket. That pocket also held scissors and he stabbed himself when he took the money. We were at a stop a second later and he ran off the train while the Mother sat there. When she got up at the next stop I realized she had been hiding a credit card of mine under her foot. Just be careful!
Hi,
Best survival tools while in France for XX days without speaking French ??
A smile, a credit card and Euros !!! THAT, they understand !!!
Same all over Europe, really. As a previous poster stated, it's common for a local resident to speak at the very least two languages, sometimes other than his/her own native one.
We are docking in Le Havre and would like to take the train to Paris and then tour for the day. We have done this in many cities using English or Spanish as our only languages. Is it feasible to do this in France? Any comments, advice or reassuring words would be greatly appreciated! Sandie
I did this exact same trip. What I actually did was buy an online course to learn key phrases in French. It was great because it had both written verbal instructions. It was all the basic phrases like "how much does that cost" "I'll have a glass of red wine" "Do you speak English" and most importantly, "HOw much are those shoes!"
I did get to use it, but found asking if they speak English first made it easiest and they seemed to appreciate the attempt.
It just occurred to me you mention Paris survival for a day....I'm thinking it's not the 'day' you'll struggle with, it's the 'night'!! Hoo-Hoo! Hey maddy-moiselle! Parlez-vous a humma-humma!! I think it's like Las Vegas---what happens in Paris...... usually winds up on the internet.....parents must be so proud !!
One small bit of advice that someone gave me, and it's worked well for me: When you go into a shop, greet the proprietor/staff person with "Bonjour Madame/Mademoiselle/Monsieur" (as appropriate.) If in doubt about whether a lady is Madame or Mademoiselle, err on the side of Mademoiselle. This seems to set everything on a friendly basis from the start. And "Bonjour Madame" (or whoever) seems to work better than just "Bonjour".
Depending on which part of the country Americans are from, we don't always say hello first in a shop before asking for whatever we've come in for, and I guess we can seem abrupt without the preliminary greeting.
Depending on which part of the country Americans are from, we don't always say hello first in a shop before asking for whatever we've come in for, and I guess we can seem abrupt without the preliminary greeting.
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Can a person speaking no French survive in Paris for the day?
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Hi,
We are docking in Le Havre and would like to take the train to Paris and then tour for the day. We have done this in many cities using English or Spanish as our only languages. Is it feasible to do this in France? Any comments, advice or reassuring words would be greatly appreciated! Sandie
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