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> In most cases, don't worry about the native language. [...] Paris [...] I know a bunch of fellow expats in Paris. The ones that came here with the intention

> In most cases, don't worry about the native language. [...] Paris [...] I know a bunch of fellow expats in Paris. The ones that came here with the intention of learning/improving French are usually happy. The ones that came expecting to get by with only English are absolutely miserable and hate it here. The French (rightly) regard you as an arrogant prick if you don't show that you are willing to make the effort, and they treat you accordingly. Yes, the other places you mentioned are probably easier in this regard.

cstejerean 10y ago
This is what I always heard about visiting Paris and it honestly put me off visiting for a long time. But what I found when I actually went to Paris was the exact opposite. Everyone I interacted with loved the opportunity to practice their English and everyone was incredibly nice and accommodating. Now it's probably very different when you are visiting as a tourist compared to living there as an expat.
- Xylakant 10y ago
  > Now it's probably very different when you are visiting as a tourist compared to living there as an expat. It is - rightfully so. Expectations towards a tourist are very different and the matters a tourist needs to settle are much simpler than the matters a resident needs to settle. Interactions with the local administration, your landlord, ... A lot of that will be very hard if you're not speaking the language. Getting a grasp for the local culture is easier if you speak the language. Also, if you're still stuck with not speaking a single word of your host countries language, a lot of people will consider that impolite. Nobody expects perfection, but at least show a little effort :)
_rl8k 10y ago
I've been to Paris recently for a 3 days tech event. I would say that in my experience it is the French people that are often arrogant in that they get pissed / make fun of people who can't speak their language. A friend of mine that was with me and can speak French to a decent level had troubles even ordering stuff in a bar because the girls working there didn't make the effort to understand beyond his foreign accent... and he is half Belgian. Of course my experience is limited and of course you would expect someone living in France for a long time to learn the language, but it's also a matter of good manners. I, too, would hate to live there if my experience is the norm. EDIT: It seems that other people had the opposite experience so take anything with a grain of salt.
- bobwaycott 10y ago
  Even as a tourist knowing only English, the best ways to ingratiate yourself with everyone is to at least start with a French greeting—especially when walking into shops, cafes, etc. Americans are far too accustomed to employees greeting them. If you walk into a place, some quick, intentional eye contact and a friendly sounding "Bonjour!" go a long way. French shop owners/workers in Paris don't make a point of saying, "Welcome to my shop, may I take your order?" I speak French, but whenever I would get lost in a conversation, I'd simply apologize, explain I'm American, and am having trouble understanding or following (all in French, of course; its worth learning how to say it), then ask if they spoke English or if they could slow down. At that point, they'd express being delighted to speak in English, and I'd keep trying to speak in French. Made for some very fun times with all the people I met. It's also worth learning how to say a few key phrases in the correct rhythm and tone. French isn't spoken with an English-like cadence.
- Grue3 10y ago
  If it makes you feel better, I had a similar experience to you.
- 6t6t6t6 10y ago
  I had that same experience when I lived in the UK many years ago and I was still not completely fluent in English. On the other hand, when I lived in France, everybody loved the fact that I was making the effort to try to speak French. YMMV
coredog64 10y ago
Unless you are from Quebec. Then they'll speak to you in English because it positively pains them to hear you murder their language.
- spoonie 10y ago
  If the French were going to be so stuck up about accents they shouldn't have cut off Québec from the mother ship for so long. ;)

cstejerean 10y ago

This is what I always heard about visiting Paris and it honestly put me off visiting for a long time. But what I found when I actually went to Paris was the exact opposite. Everyone I interacted with loved the opportunity to practice their English and everyone was incredibly nice and accommodating. Now it's probably very different when you are visiting as a tourist compared to living there as an expat.

Xylakant 10y ago
> Now it's probably very different when you are visiting as a tourist compared to living there as an expat. It is - rightfully so. Expectations towards a tourist are very different and the matters a tourist needs to settle are much simpler than the matters a resident needs to settle. Interactions with the local administration, your landlord, ... A lot of that will be very hard if you're not speaking the language. Getting a grasp for the local culture is easier if you speak the language. Also, if you're still stuck with not speaking a single word of your host countries language, a lot of people will consider that impolite. Nobody expects perfection, but at least show a little effort :)

_rl8k 10y ago

I've been to Paris recently for a 3 days tech event. I would say that in my experience it is the French people that are often arrogant in that they get pissed / make fun of people who can't speak their language. A friend of mine that was with me and can speak French to a decent level had troubles even ordering stuff in a bar because the girls working there didn't make the effort to understand beyond his foreign accent... and he is half Belgian. Of course my experience is limited and of course you would expect someone living in France for a long time to learn the language, but it's also a matter of good manners. I, too, would hate to live there if my experience is the norm. EDIT: It seems that other people had the opposite experience so take anything with a grain of salt.

bobwaycott 10y ago
Even as a tourist knowing only English, the best ways to ingratiate yourself with everyone is to at least start with a French greeting—especially when walking into shops, cafes, etc. Americans are far too accustomed to employees greeting them. If you walk into a place, some quick, intentional eye contact and a friendly sounding "Bonjour!" go a long way. French shop owners/workers in Paris don't make a point of saying, "Welcome to my shop, may I take your order?" I speak French, but whenever I would get lost in a conversation, I'd simply apologize, explain I'm American, and am having trouble understanding or following (all in French, of course; its worth learning how to say it), then ask if they spoke English or if they could slow down. At that point, they'd express being delighted to speak in English, and I'd keep trying to speak in French. Made for some very fun times with all the people I met. It's also worth learning how to say a few key phrases in the correct rhythm and tone. French isn't spoken with an English-like cadence.
Grue3 10y ago
If it makes you feel better, I had a similar experience to you.
6t6t6t6 10y ago
I had that same experience when I lived in the UK many years ago and I was still not completely fluent in English. On the other hand, when I lived in France, everybody loved the fact that I was making the effort to try to speak French. YMMV

coredog64 10y ago

Unless you are from Quebec. Then they'll speak to you in English because it positively pains them to hear you murder their language.

spoonie 10y ago
If the French were going to be so stuck up about accents they shouldn't have cut off Québec from the mother ship for so long. ;)