No matter where you are from, you would most probably feel flattered if a tourist approached you and asked directions in your native language. What would be your first impression? Think about it, you would be sure that the person is interested in your culture and language. He had obviously spent some time reading and learning about your country. He might even have practiced some phrases with friends and so on. And, most importantly, he is probably feeling very uncomfortable speaking in a language he doesn’t know well.
And now imagine yourself in the place of that tourist. It’s apparent why you will get a better answer and a bigger smile in Paris if you try to articulate at least some French words in your question.
Now, a lot of people say French are too arrogant, picky, egocentric, and, plus, they don’t like tourists, especially Americans. This is a kind of the stereotypes that is attributed to many nations, but is not true, at least not completely true. It should be understood that your experience will be different in different parts of the country. Paris is a true touristic city. Lyon and Marseille are a completely different story. Urban areas are more likely to reply to your question in English, while people in rural areas would expect you to speak their language.
Again, let’s make a test on you. Imagine you wake up early every day, get dressed, and go to work. You obviously think what you will do when you get to your office, and suddenly dozens of tourists start interrupting your thoughts with “Do you speak English” and “Excuse me, where is the Eiffel Tower?” After awhile it becomes very annoying.
So, let’s consider the capital city only. There is a huge number of tourists visiting Paris annually. Parisians speak comparably better than people in other cities. But there are some important things to consider.
There can be 3 reasons why French won’t help you out if you don’t speak French.
First, they don’t speak English. It’s more than possible, especially with the older generation. If you think the person clearly got your point but didn’t respond, consider the following. A lot of people understand English, as this language is spread everywhere, on Internet, TV, and so on. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that they speak it as clearly as they understand it. When approaching a Parisian, make sure he or she is under 40 or 35. The younger generation has more experience with English.
Second, they are afraid to make mistakes. You might think that can’t be serious, but think a little. Are you always self-confident when speaking beginner French with a Parisian. The same method works with them. They learn English in school, but if they don’t have enough practice in speaking, they might not express themselves clearly.
Third, they perfectly understand the question but don’t want to respond just because you asked them in English. Perhaps, this will happen to one in a 1000 tourists. Although the majority of Parisians are friendly and polite, there will be ones that will be sick of tourists or hateful towards English.
If you ever happen to be in such situation, just smile and move on. The next person you ask will definitely be more helpful. Most importantly, don’t suppose that you will be that 1 person in 1000. The more polite you are, the better results you will get.
If you get a rude response to a polite question, it’s not necessarily because the whole nation is rude. You might be the 10th person that asked that exact question to that exact person that day. Or you might have asked something that is too obvious. Before asking for directions or any other question, look around you, maybe the answer is right there on a sign.
Managing to get around the city yourself is much more pleasant. If you make your agenda beforehand, don’t be lazy and check out the streets on Google. If you understand the way on a satellite map, you definitely won’t get lost.
French are very proud of their heritage (and there is no reason why they shouldn’t be). As language is an important part of their culture, it’s very important for them. If a tourist is dressed in European-style, moreover, speaks a little French, they’ll be glad to give you all information you need in English.
Take a pocket dictionary along. Make sure there are transcriptions next to the word and that you understand them. French is one of the languages that are written in one way and pronounced in a completely different way. The half of the letters in the word are not even articulated.
Paris is a miracle, no matter in what language. But if you want to spend a day or two in your life as a Parisian, feel the extraordinary life and the colors of the city, learn at least some phrases and expressions in French before your trip and use them as often as possible.
Quick Vocabulary
Bonjour – Hello
Excusez-moi. – Excuse me.
Est-ce que vous parlez anglais? – Do you speak English?
Je ne comprends pas. – I don’t understand.
Oui/Non – Yes/No
Oui, s’il vous plaît/Non, merci – Yes, please/No, thank you.
Combien coûte. . .? – How much does . . . cost?
Je suis perdu. – I’m lost.
Où se trouve. . .? – Where is. . .?
Pouvez-vous m’aider? – Can you help me?
Au revoir – Goodbye
