Bonjour Do I need to speak French in Paris?

[dreamyxo]

Anyone been to Paris and don't speak French?  Is it easy to get around without knowing it?  I took half a semester in middle school and I hated it because the letters don't sound like how it's written.  I can only say my name is ___.  I can count to 10 and that's it.  I'm going to the library today to get a language book because I like to learn a little of the language before I visit a place that doesn't speak English. 

[alaric99x]

I just got back from Europe about 1 1/2 years ago after having spent almost 12 years in Germany.  During that time I visited most of the countries in Europe and took about 40 road trips into France because I lived very close to the French border.  The number of English speakers you run into in different countries varies greatly.  Some countries like Germany, Holland and Luxembourg make English a required subject in school, France does not.  It's one of the countries where it can be difficult to find an English speaker.  I haven't been to Paris in over 20 years, but I never had a problem communicating in any of the other places I visited in France.  Maybe I just got lucky, but I was always able to find an English speaker to translate.

You're doing the right thing in learning a little of the French language.  I found that people in any country really appreciated it if you spoke at least a few words of their language, especially the French who love their language.

Bon journee   

[dreamyxo]

Thanks.  I went to Germany in 2009 and didn't have any problems getting around.  They hotel staff spoke English and a lot of the places we went we didn't have problems (tours, restaurants etc). 

[itzkt]

i don't think
i presume they at least know how to speak english

[dreamyxo]

i don't think
i presume they at least know how to speak english

Why would you presume that?  Just because you speak English that means the rest of the world does?  There are countries where English isn't an official language and I'm pretty sure France is one of them.  Sure there are people there who speak English but I'm not going to presume I can just go up to any random person and assume it's just like here where I can communicate with everyone there.  It is a different country after all.

[Tresbn00]

I don't believe that you have to speak french in Paris. Every other country has adapted to the American expectation that everyone shoud speak English!  I think that it take years of submersion within their society in order to reach a level of mastery expected by the citizens of France and even thn, from what I have heard from French friend, they don't appreciate our invading their country and lives.  Kind of a different way of life with man more expectations than we, as Americans, demand from visitors.

[dreamyxo]

Well that's not very nice.  Lol I guess they don't want our tourism dollars.  I got a phrasebook and cd from the library I know won't be able to learn a lot in a week to really communicate but thanks for the insight.

[alaric99x]

OK, itzkt, you would presume that the French generally know English?  English is a required language in Germany, and some other countries, it's not required in France.

And you, Tresbn00, you somehow indicate that the rest of the world would sensibly learn the English language, but when you type words like "shoud" and "thn" in your posting I have to question how well or poorly you know the English language yourself.

When was the last time either of you have been in France?  I always say that the less you actually know about a subject, the more opinions you're allowed to have.

[alaric99x]

dreamyxo, you don't need to know a lot of French, 20 or 30 words and phrases are more than enough.  The French will appreciate your effort.  They are also very friendly and hospitable people, although even the French claim that the Parisians are somewhat rude.  I know that they'll always try to be friendly in restaurants and shops, but I've had numerous encounters on the street asking for directions or information and people really try to understand you or even try to find someone who understands English.  Like I said, I never had a problem and I only speak about 20 words in French myself.

[dreamyxo]

Thanks alaric99x that's good to know since we'll probably stick to the touristy areas anyway.

[vicogden]

I've been to Paris a couple of times and you can get by with English... however, the French appreciate it a lot if you try to make an effort at their language...

[oldbuddy]

I thought they spoke the language of LOVE?   

[tallicadude]

see to me, since i expect illegal aliens to learn english instead of our country expected to learn spanish to accommodate them that we should expect to learn the language of a place we're moving to. i think if you're just visiting though you shouldn't have to be fluent, but at least learn some basic french phrases and words that you will probably be using a lot. and maybe learn to say "please use simple vocabulary, i am not well versed in your language yet' or something so as to maybe prevent some frustration on both sides. i think it's a little arrogant of us americans to go around expecting the whole world to speak english. most of it has to do with the fact that most americans have to go thousands of miles to get to a non-english speaking countries, so it's not really useful to learn other languages. whereas in europe you're surrounded by countries that all speak different languages and are all in very close proximity to each other, so only learning your native language would just be too difficult to function. anyway , yes you could easily make it around paris without knowing french as long as you brought a translation book and an electronic translator. but i suggest as a courtesy and to be respectful to your host country to at least learn common phrases and words you will be using.

[kqa]

I studied French for 3 years in high school many moons ago.  I've forgotten most of it but believe I could find my way around there with a little help!

[diala84]

I would say get a phrase book just in case that way you can point to the phrase you want to say if you don't know how to say it or they don't seem to understand when you say it. I haven't been to France but I have been to Germany and I would say that the bigger the city the more English speakers you will find. In smaller towns it will be harder to communicate and there is a higher likelihood they won't speak English.

However, Like always it is good to be over prepared and act like no one will speak English on the trip. Write down any really important phrases so they are handy and have a map of the city so people can point out locations and how to get there on the map. Good luck.