This May Seem Silly

[tinknme]

But the closer our trip gets, the more worried I get. I do not speak a bit of french, is this going to be a huge problem while in Paris? Am I being silly? Guess I am just starting to get the jitters.

 

[Raci]

I wouldn't worry! From all I've heard it shouldn't be a problem.

If you can, try and remember:
Merci - Thankyou
Bonjour - Hello
Au-revoir - Goodbye
Just so you can do the basics but otherwise don't panic!

Have a great trip!

 

[tracydcp]

Please dont worry about not speaking french, we went in Oct last year and all I can speak is hello and thankyou and we managed just fine. You will find that most cast members speak english and if by any chance they are not able to help they will direct you to another member who can. We found everyone to be very helpful and polite so I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Tracy xx

 

[Ware Bears]

I agree, don't worry!

You'll definitely have no problem at DLRP and we still managed fine in Paris. As Raci said, using the basics like Bonjour, Merci, Au Revoir are much appreciated.

 

[higgy66]

Don't worry - this is embarrassing for us but I'm afraid most Europeans can speak English - it's just us that can't speak other languages.

You'll find most people will understand you in DLRP and Paris itself. Now if you were to go into the hills and come across an OAP sitting alone in a cafe drinking Pernod then i think you might struggle!


Have fun!

 

[tinknme]

Thank you all for the replies! Like I said I think I am just getting the jitters. This will be my 1st trip & a new experience to me. I just don't want to seem like an oddball while there lol

 

[Sav]

Now if you were to go into the hills and come across an OAP sitting alone in a cafe drinking Pernod then i think you might struggle!

I have a phrase that might help in that situation

Vous aiment-ils de l'aide le boire de cela ?


But seriously - you won't need to speak a word really - although making an effort to say merci and s'il vous plait (thankyou and please) will go down well.

If you want to get more adventurous - try this.

Je voudrais un pot de thé s'il vous plait (I would like a pot of tea please).

 

[ralfrick]

The impression many Europeans have about Americans is: loud, brash, demanding and expecting everything to be like it is at home. There's a Fawlty Towers episode that illustrates this brilliantly. I also think that immediately expecting someone to speak English is also off-putting. The impression I've gotten while planning the Parisian portion of our journey is that making an attempt will go a long way. You certainly want the basics, bon jour, merci, etc. Word is that in small shops especially, a greeting in French upon entering is expected.

I took a basic class at a local community college last fall, but know that isn't always possible for everyone. One thing I quickly learned is that if you don't speak French, and you see a word for the first time, however you think it will be pronounced will be wrong. You may want to check out some of the stuff in the link below,
http://french.about.com/library/pronunciation/bl-audiolab.htm

A bientot (which roughly means "see ya later")

 

[tinknme]

Thank you!

You may want to check out some of the stuff in the link below,
http://french.about.com/library/pronunciation/bl-audiolab.htm

A bientot (which roughly means "see ya later")