3 ms·

I think it depends where you are and how much of an effort you make, how friendly you are. I speak French fluently and even in Paris (where people have a reputa

I think it depends where you are and how much of an effort you make, how friendly you are. I speak French fluently and even in Paris (where people have a reputation for being gallophillic and anglophobic in the extreme) I've had lovely conversations in English, both with locals and with visitors from other parts of the country. I've also seen people "close ranks" when confronted by the "ugly American" who speaks not a word of French and shouts to make themselves understood. I've even joined those ranks until the person became far too annoying, at which point I offered a brusque and factual, pithy translation, delivered as if talking to a spoiled child. It felt quite good. I'm not proud of that, but it did. My experience in Paris is consistent with all of my travels: Make an effort, be interested, be nice, get warmth and welcome in return. Be a douche, get douched right back.

DougMerritt 12y ago
> My experience in Paris is consistent with all of my travels: Make an effort, be interested, be nice, get warmth and welcome in return. Same here, as an American who never studied French, aside from the French-for-tourists booklet once I was in Paris (which I did try hard to learn). People were delightful; I did not experience any of the negative stereotype when struggling to communicate with people, whether they spoke English or only French. Same in several other countries, too, but Paris is particularly noteworthy considering the common (and ancient) slanders on that topic. People have suggested that Parisians are more prejudiced against French dialects than they are against non-speakers, but I wouldn't know. I do know that presumably-ugly Americans complained about Paris/Parisians, when I found it/them fantastic. (I'm looking at your post history out of curiosity, excuse' moi (spell?))

DougMerritt 12y ago

> My experience in Paris is consistent with all of my travels: Make an effort, be interested, be nice, get warmth and welcome in return. Same here, as an American who never studied French, aside from the French-for-tourists booklet once I was in Paris (which I did try hard to learn). People were delightful; I did not experience any of the negative stereotype when struggling to communicate with people, whether they spoke English or only French. Same in several other countries, too, but Paris is particularly noteworthy considering the common (and ancient) slanders on that topic. People have suggested that Parisians are more prejudiced against French dialects than they are against non-speakers, but I wouldn't know. I do know that presumably-ugly Americans complained about Paris/Parisians, when I found it/them fantastic. (I'm looking at your post history out of curiosity, excuse' moi (spell?))