A friend of mine is moving to the south of France and is not sure what to expect. She is American and worried?

Question

that she will have a difficult time. She doesnt speak much French but is trying to learn. Ive told her not to worry and Im sure that she will be fine but I really have no idea what she is getting herself into. Anyone lived/spent an extended period of time in Southern France ? If so how did you find it and is there anything she should know? Also any phrases in French that are essential for her to know how to say? Thanks for any suggestions

Answer 1

I lived in France for a few years and agree with most everything said in previous answers. I wouldn't worry about getting a french wardrobe though. They'll know you're not french no matter what. However, skip the shorts. French people only wear shorts for sports or when going to the beach.

Also keep in mind that food is sacred in France so don't go for a walk 5 mins before mealtime... And don't ever ask what a dish is until you've eaten it. When we took our 15 yo daughter with us we told everyone not to tell her what was being served and she ate everything, found most of it great and never again had a problem eating things out of the ordinary.

Answer 2

She should remember she is their guest and not expect people to speak English for her benefit.

She should learn to say:  "Mon Francais n'est pas bien.  Parlez vous Anglais?  (My French is not good.  Do you speak English?) Please, Thank you and "Excuse Me" are all important wherever you go.    That said, most younger people speak English well.  They are, for any given age, better educated than we are.

She should dress properly.  Americans are known for being too casual and too sloppy--especially the women.  Sneakers, for example are only worn when playing sports.  It is not considered appropriate footwear for the street.

She should look at what other girls are wearing--French females generally look GREAT when they walk out the door--and they put effort into that.  Think skirts and dresses rather than jeans and T-shirts (only appropriate for working in the yard).

Depending on how she dresses now, she may want to go there with a rather empty suitcase with the intention of doing some shopping to get the right look.  I really can't emphasis this "girls dress up for everyday and everything" thing enough.  If she is to be in a city, she will need shoes, skirts and an "LBD" (Little Black Dress) for evenings.

France has a large population of Muslims of North African (Arab) descent.  They are very angry at both the French, and us.  She should take some time to learn the history of how and why they are there.  She should make friends with them and be a good ambassador.

French people in general do not like America's foreign policy and think the current President is a joke.  She should learn to not get drawn into political discussions if she has strong pro war or pro Bush feelings.

That said, the French are lovely, warm people just dying to feed you, serve you good wine and ask you plenty of questions about Disneyland and Dallas (the TV show--most of the world thinks we all live like that).

And it is true, the better you speak French, the faster and easier they will accept you.  I'm fluent now and the difference in reception between now when I go, and when I first went many years ago, is like night and day.

Answer 3

I spent a few days in southern France. One thing I can tell you is this.. Don't listen to the media about the French.

IF you make an attempt to learn the language and ways there, they are more than gracious.

IF you go there assuming they speak English (a lot do), then they might give you the cold shoulder. Example: I went to a cafe (beautiful waitress by the way), and ordered a cheese pizza. The waitress acted like she had no idea what I was talking about. However, I then attempted to order it in French, using the "avec fromage exclusive",  and all of the sudden she spoke wonderful English.

She wasn't being mean or anything, just kind of a "you're not in America anymore", hint. She was actually very pleasant afterward.

Whenever you go somewhere greet people in French... They can tell by your accent you're not French, but will appreciate the attempt.

Answer 4

Like the others have said she needs to at least try to speak French and I know from personal experience I straight up said "Je ne parle pas le beaucoup de français"  or "Je parle un petite français"  nothing is perfect but they know you are trying.  Plus depending on where she is there is quite a bit of english being spoken due to tourism.

She will be speaking french in no time living there being submersed in to the culture and language.

I have a friend that has lived there for about 2.5 years that his accent is almost perfect.

good luck to your friend she is very lucky to have the chance to live there.

Answer 5

Tell her not to worry. She is moving to a WAY safer country!!

Answer 6

Thanks!!! You just offered me a good laugh.

Firts of all, where in the south? Southwest (the best)? Southeast?

I don't know what she expects but it's not like she goes in easters russia or I don't know where.

I know well the southwest and it's the best place in France (Toulouse!!). People are much more friendly than in Paris for instance.

Answer 7

Just be honest, be open to different things which may be wierd to us, and she should be fine.

Oh yeah. SPEAK FRENCH!!!

People may speak back in english but don't give in. You are there to learn!!!

Passez-vous un bon vacance en France.

C'est trés belle à cette époque-là!!!