French?

[cstraub]

I have never traveled to France before.

My DH and I will be taking our three young children to Disneyland Paris in July 2006. How much french if any will we need to know there?

I have borrowed some french tapes, books and vidoes from the library to get some of the basics down. Out of respect I would like to try and learn some common phrases and words.

With less than 10 months to go and a busy life I doubt we will be fluent (LOL) by July. How imporatant is this and how hard should I be trying to learn french?

 

[chrismoo]

Bonjour is about the limit.

Every time I try to speak French even just bonjour, they allways seem to quickly switch to English.

My French accent must be very bad.

 

[emmaness]

I think that's really excellent that you want to learn French for when you go.

So many people don't even bother trying - but like Chrismoo said, they do sometimes switch to English if they hear that you have an accent! Technically, it is not necessary to speak much more French than "Parlez-vous anglais?". But it's nice to make an effort, isn't it.

As you said, it's definitely still worth learning the basics, if only out of respect! Good luck!

 

[raptor1982]

Bonjour, merci and est-ce que vous parlez l'Anglais?

 

[Ware Bears]

We made a point of saying Bonjour, Merci and Au Revoir. Even though it is not necessary to speak any French I think it is appreciated. All of the CM's were very friendly and cheerful, probably from laughing at our abysmal efforts!

 

[BONITATIME]

I speak some french and i try always to use it even if it comes out wrong. I find the people in the park very friendly. I don't know if that is why or if it helps . I do feel if you are travelling where they speak a foreign language, it is important to speak a little. If just hello, please, thank you and Do you speak english?

 

[nicola]

You don't need to know any French at all!!!

 

[cstraub]

Thank you to everyone for your posts. You have allowed me to lay my fears to rest about not being able to speak much french.

Sounds like I will need to know the basics and that our effort will be appreciated.

Thanks again!

 

[missj171]

Like others have said, on my trip last week we barely said more than bonjour, merci etc. when you ask a question in French CMs tend to answer you in English anyway!

But its definetly a good idea and a great thing for your kids to learn- if they ever go to 'real' France it will be a plus! And they do say kids learn best when they are young, I say teach them any way! I know I wish I had learnt more French/Spanish/German at a young age!

 

[Cyrano]

As others have said you don't have to speak French, but i think it is appreciated even if it is just good morning, hello etc. My troop all tried a few words and the CM's definitely responded to them accordingly When DS 3 spotted a Spanish flag on one CM she said "she must speak like Dora". After pin trading Robyn said gracias and received a nice ring from the CM.

Reid

 

[NJBlackBerry]

Ditto the other comments. We were there in July, and I always said Bon Jour and they immediately responded in English. You don't need to speak a word of French at DLP.