It can be intimidating to attempt to use some of your old high school (or perhaps college) French during your first trip to France. However, the French people you encounter will most likely appreciate your efforts. If you\u2019re relatively new (or rusty) to the French language, here are some basic guidelines to help you along the way.<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Never underestimate the power of \u201cbonjour.\u201d When walking into any place of business, the French expect both client and vendor\/host to exchange a polite \u201cBonjour Madame\u201d or \u201cBonjour Monsieur\u201d (with eye contact). Though this may seem formal to many Americans, the French consider this simple, sincere exchange to be the pre-requisite for any transaction or conversation to follow.<\/p>\n
2)\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The French have two words that mean \u201cyou.\u201d\u00a0 The word \u201cTu\u201d is used with relatives and close friends or co-workers, while \u201cvous\u201d is used more formally, with elders, strangers, and co-workers with whom you are not as familiar (it is also the plural \u201cyou\u201d form). When in doubt, use \u201cvous\u201d especially when traveling, since you will most likely be meeting new people. You\u2019ll notice that some phrases in your phrase book use \u201ctu\u201d and some use \u201cvous.\u201d Be sure to memorize the ones that use \u201cvous.\u201d<\/p>\n
3)\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Memorize key phrases. There are some phrases that will be more useful than others. Think ahead to situations in which you might find yourself during your trip and choose phrases to memorize accordingly. Of course, there are some phrases that are good to know in any situation. \u201cEnchant\u00e9\u201d (\u201cnice to meet you\u201d), for example, or, of course, \u201cO\u00f9 sont les toilettes?\u201d (\u201cWhere are the bathrooms?\u201d).<\/p>\n
4)\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Practice makes perfect. I recommend taking a class or hiring a private French tutor for a few lessons before your trip. French pronunciation can be especially tricky, particularly for English speakers. Working with a French instructor or tutor can help you understand the mechanics of the language and the pronunciation better than you would through self-study.<\/p>\n
5)\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Soyez courageux! (Be brave!) Chances are that if you step out of your comfort zone and try a bit of French while you\u2019re in France, you\u2019ll have a much richer and more satisfying visit than you would if you stay in your English comfort zone.<\/p>\n
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