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france
I am thinking of going to france, but I don't know french. I've heard french people are really mean about stuff like that. If my french isn't that good, will they be really mean to me?
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No if you go to Paris they wont be mean!! lots of ppl kno english i love the french they are wonderful people. i dont kno about outside of paris, but in the French speaking part of Switzerland they are also very nice! dont be worried there are lots of ppl that speak english!
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It depends on where you go. In Paris, for instance, they are so used to foreign travelers that they don't mind those who dont' speak French and can be very helpful. In the smaller villages outside the cities, it can be a bit different. If you don't try at all, they can be quite irritated. But if you make an attempt at speaking their language as much as possible, they are quite sympathetic and will go out of their way to be nice to you.
Taking a beginning French class before you go is a help. If you don't want to do that, at least invest in a good phrase book to take with you.
Bon Voyage!
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For 'Je suis(country here)' you'd have to put the en on the end, like Americen. And i'm guessing by 'je ne compamp pas' you're meaning to say 'je ne comprend pas' which means I don't understand. Sorry. i just HAD to say that. Anyways, i've been to france and they're not bad ust don't try to talk french if you can't cu that bugs some people.
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Tiwonge's suggestion of going w/ someone knowledgeable about France or w/ a group the first time is a good idea, IMO. I wouldn't necessarily worry about the French being rude. There are generalizations and stereotypes everywhere and about everyone. Once you start traveling, you'll be amazed at some of the things that people assume about Americans. So yes, if you're nice to them, most likely they'll be nice back.
If anything, buy a phrasebook and at least try to learn a few phrases. When natives see that you really are trying hard to speak their language (instead of soley relying on English, their perception of you will change, I believe. Based upon my traveling experiences, people always warmed up to me when they realized that I was trying to speak their language). Just like if a French person came to your house and only spoke French, you'd be frustrated, right? But if they were *trying* to speak English, even though broken and difficult to understand, you'd most likely do what you could to help them, right? Pretty much like anywhere, how you're reacted to is dependent on the attitude that you carry with you.
Don't be a loud, brash, arrogant American idiot and you'll be fine for the most part. If being a fool is genetically inherent, then assume that you're going to receive just as difficult of a time as you're causing the people that you're visiting. Pretty much a Do Unto Others type deal, IMO.
Just my 1/2 cent worth. Good luck and have a great time!
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Honestly, English is pretty much the de facto international language. You'll probably be able to get around just knowing English. Be polite, and I'm sure you'll find the French polite. (I've never encountered any rude French people, myself.)
If you're not going with somebody else who's been to France or who knows French, though, it might be a bit hard to get around. I'd probably recommend going with a group (either a tour group, or a couple of experienced travelers) the firt time, and then maybe set out on your own on another trip.
Then again, it's much more of an adventure when you have no idea what you're doing. If you go alone, be sure to do lots of planning ahead of time, even if you don't follow through on the plans. The more you know of where you're going and what you want to do, the more you'll be prepared when unexpected things turn up.
(And maybe, if you spend more time in small towns and less time in big cities like Paris, the folks will be more polite.)
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Are you from America? If so some people might be a little disparaging but most French people are great. Don't let your, lets say slippery,grip on the language put you off.
Just don't make the classic mistake of talking English but louder.
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If they are rude, throw a croissant at them.
And then croak. Lots.
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