The Survival Guide to France. Part Three: So you speak French?

You've prepared well for your trip. You've been studying the French Language and searching websites for tips on speaking French, and you've got your basic French language guide book. Then you arrive at Charles DeGaulle Airport, go into Paris and discover that the people around you are speaking a foreign language, one that you don't understand!

The simple, clearly enunciated language that you've been hearing on tapes has been speeded up and become unintelligible. Now is not the time to panic. One of the reasons for going to a foreign country is just that: it is foreign and will allow you to develop skills you haven't had to use before. As in most countries region dialects exist in France too. The Perigordine of the Dordogne is similar, but not the same as the Catalan twang in the Languadoc Roussillion. Parisian and Breton French from Brittany sound different too. The following tips will help you get around France and enjoy your trip.

The first thing to remember is that the French in general are helpful and most of them know some English, especially in the tourist areas, the Dordogne and Herault, but they appreciate every effort you make to speak their language. The next thing to know is that most of the people you meet are not on vacation, they are working, or going to or from work. Imagine yourself on your way to your job and having someone stop you on the street and ask you directions in a foreign (to you) language. When asking directions, be prepared and be brief.

The key here is to learn a lot of words and a little grammar. Before you go, learn 10 key phrases, such as: "I just learned to speak French", "Speak slowly", "Where do I find?", "can you direct me to?", "How much does it cost?", "I would like", "Please write it," (take a small notebook and pencil) etc. The French are polite. Always say "Bonjour Monsieur/Madame, Merci or Merci Beaucoup and au revoir. Use the vous form for anyone over the age of ten.

Have a map with you. Most guide books have maps in them. My first stop in any town I visit is the office de tourisme or Sandicat d'Initiative where you can obtain a map of the city: plan de ville. These are larger and more detailed than guide book maps. In Paris buy one of the books that have maps, generally by arrondisement, in them. Paris and many French cities don't have street signs, look up at the corners of buildings for street names. Paris street names will also have the arrondisement number underneath them. Take a pencil with you. Show the person the map, point to where you are, if you know, and show the name of the address where you want to go and ask how to get there.

Use simple vocabulary. As soon as you speak, your accent will mark you as a foreigner. Have a small English/French dictionary. If you can't make yourself understood, look up the word in the dictionary and point. Another technique is to use pantomime. Don't worry about appearing foolish, you'll probably never see these people again, and it might help save your vacation.

When asking directions, pick the people to whom you are going to talk. Shopkeepers, and especially tabac owners are always good for information. You attitude should be of a competent person asking directions, not of a desperately lost person; there are people who will take advantage of you. If there are no shops around, look for people who don't look like they are in a hurry. Don't get into cars or go into houses with someone you don't know. Be polite but firm. If they insist, turn and walk away. Sometimes people will offer to show you the way. Trust your instincts; if you are uncomfortable, simply leave with thanks. You are in charge of your safety.

You learn to speak French by speaking it. Practice whenever you can. Almost everyone will encourage you, and correct you. People in parks and restaurants are likely candidates for conversations. People standing in lines will often talk about whatever it is you are in line for. Ask the French about their country, their history, their politics (be careful on this one). Take a stand; the French will respect you for it. One thing I've learned from the French is that almost all Americans have a drawl; we drag the endings of words out much more than they do. Really clip the ends of words. When you do speak English try to imitate the BBC English, (or public television shows). The French are more used to hearing it.

If you don't know the word for something, describe it: big, round, you eat it, you throw it, it wraps around your neck, etc. Sometimes you just can't get things. It may be better to not try so hard; step back from the scene either mentally or figuratively, but politely. Finally, remember you are in a wonderful country with sights you won't see anywhere else. If all else fails, find a wonderful restaurant and watch the world go by.
Article courtesy of Constance Montague