Is it mostly French spoken in Paris? If I speak english would it be a daily struggle?

Question

Is it mostly French spoken in Paris? If I speak english would it be a daily struggle?

Answer 1

Try to learn the basics

Answer 2

The answers are pretty right. I suggest you learn just the basics or at least this sentence "bonjour , excusez moi, parlez-vous anglais?" (hello, excuse me, do you speak English?) just to show you don't expect everyone to speak english...

- It is often said that French people don't speak well English (which is true) but that's not so true in Paris.

- Young people generally speak English (mandatory at school) but it's uncommon when old people do.

- A little sentence in French always helps, people will appreciate and will answer in English (if they can).

Actually it reminds me of a little story... I was in the métro and an american guy hurt himself. So I asked him in English if he was OK. I also adviced him to hide the money he had, coming out from his poket. He answered in French and was really pissed off that I spoke to him in English like "ca va ca va..."

I realized sometimes people just want to practice their french or don't want to show they're tourists...

Answer 3

The first answer is right and many people in Paris will speak English, particularly those in the tourism industry.  However, most people you might encounter don't speak it well.  After all, it's their country and they speak French.

At least learn how to say (available in any guide book):

Yes

No

Good day

Good evening

Please

Thank you

Excuse me

Pardon me (said to get someone's attention)

Sir

Mrs. (for adult women)

Miss (for girl children)

How much

How many

Again/more

Where is

Left

Right

Up

Down

Hot

Cold

Fast

Slow

Colors (black, white, red, blue, green, yellow)

Learn the names of basic food & menu items, like chicken, beef, pork/ham, cheese, eggs, bread, butter, milk, juice, etc.  The words omlette, sandwich, and Coca-Cola are universal.



Also learn to count to at least 10. Learning to count past 10 in French is not difficult.

The above may sound like a lot - but it isn't.  Learning a bit of French will also greatly improve the quality of your visit.

Hope you have a good trip!

Answer 4

mmmh how could an other language than french mostly be spoken in France... ?

But i agree with people above, you should at least learn to say a few things. And if you don't, try to look sorry not to speak french when you'll have to talk in english !!

We're quite proud of our language and hate when english speaking people act as if english was worldwildly spoken :)

Answer 5

Yes, French is the predominant language in all of France and they are very proud of their language so it would be wise to at least attempt the language but English is widely understood.

Answer 6

The first two answers are right on.  I would only add food items to your list of words to learn before you go.  Some of the "off the beaten path" places don;t speak english as well and you want to be able to eat at least.   Get a good french dictionery and take it with you.

Side note - beware of pickpockets in Paris.  They are everywhere and especially in the subway.  Keep you hands on your purse/wallet at all times.  They can spot tourists and they will try really hard to take your money.  Carry travelers checks if you must instead of cash.  You also get a better exhachange rate on credit cards, so use them whenever possible.

Answer 7

I know about 3 words in French and I have spent 4 weeks over there and did not have a problem.  I didn't starve, I didn't get overcharged, and I only got lost once and easily found someone who could get me headed the right direction.

Many people speak English.  For those that don't, there are other silent means of communication that can be used, that while they are not as nice as speaking the language, they are effective.  (Just watch a 2 year old communicate and you will get the idea.)

For instance, no one spoke English at my favorite Bolangerie (Pastry Shop), but I could point, and hold up fingers for numbers.  Never once was I mis-understood.

My major point is, don't forego an opportunity to travel to France just because you only speak English.  It is a wonderful country and you will be able to get by without a command of French.

I suppose there are certain emergency situations where it would be nice to speak fluent French, but the likelihood of such an occurrence was so low I just took the risk.

When I was in Paris 10 years ago people were extremely friendly and willing to help.  You could not open a map without having someone stop to ask if they could help you find some place, always in English.  

Last year the effect of American Politics was definitely being held against all Americans.  I had one individual tell me that we had an excuse in 2000, but after 2004 they blamed every American.  That is not to say that the people were rude, they were not.  They were still very nice, they just didn't fall over themselves to help like they did 10 years before.

Answer 8

Piggybacking off another answer, I would get tapes to learn how to speak those words. The spelling and the pronunciation can be different.

Answer 9

I agree with all the previous answers. Learn a few basic expressions. When they see you trying, they'll bring out their English. But if you don't even try, they may not know any English.

Also keep in mind that Parisians look down on anyone not from Paris (kind of like New Yorkers) so don't take it personally if someone is kinda rude.

Last but not least, do not carry a wallet American style. Keep it in your front pocket or, better yet, just take your passport, cash and one credit card still in your front pocket.

There are lots of pickpocket in Paris.

Answer 10

Paris is in France so we speak french here...But a lot of people speak english too, in the famous places. So you don't need to worried. But at least try to learn the basics.

Answer 11

Having just returned from Paris, I felt I should share my experience with you.  Yes, French is the primary language in Paris & all of France.  The French are proud of their language and culture and appreciate your sensitivity.  

Having said that, you can get by in English.  That supplemented by pointing (ie: the croissant you'd like to eat for breakfast) and gesturing (ie: grabbing your throat at the pharmacy to indicate you have a sore throat and would like something to help it).  Do not assume that everyone speaks English.  Among the key phrases to learn would be, "Bonjour monsieur/madame"  (Hello sir/madame), "Parlez-vous anglais?" (Do you speak English?), and "Merci" (Thank you).  Please say hello before asking if someone speaks English.  For example, "Bonjour madame.  Parlez-vous anglais?"  You will get a much better reaction if you use this method.

But I think the most important question is: What kind of experience would you like to have in Paris?  I have found that the French appreciate it when you at least try to speak their language.  A phrase I learned from Polly Platt's books that really helps is: "Excusez moi de vous derangez monsieur."  (Sorry for bothering you sir.)  I know it sounds formal, but it a poilite way of asking for help.  And when you have been polite, people tend to be polite back to you.  I have found that the French can be wonderfully warm and helpful as long as you do your part.

Also, be carefully when ordering at restaurants if there is no English menu.  There are some specialties that the French love that would be considered very adventurous food to others (ie: tete de veau or calves' brain).  But not to worry, in tourist sections some menus will be in English.  And there are many McDo's (McDonalds) and Pizza Huts if you are homesick.

My preference is to go as French as I feel comfortable doing.  I try to speak French until my knowledge of the language runs out.  I bypass the McDos, Pizza Huts and TexMex (seriously, a restaurant chain called Indiana).  I try some local preparations of food but also try to never put myself in a position of having something I just can't eat in front of me (ie: escargot).  And I have had a wonderful time in Paris and found most people to be charming.

I hope this helps and that you have a wonderful trip.

Answer 12

You'll enjoy your trip much more if you speak some French.  I already spoke French when I first visited France so I can't be sure if one can get around speaking only English.  I did get around Italy speaking only English and French and could do it though not everyone there spoke English or French.  You probably could get by speaking only English, but be polite-- ask if the person speaks English (not every French person does and many don't feel comfortable speaking it).  Be sure to speak slowly and don't use English slang or contractions (isn't, don't, won't, etc.). If you try speaking French, a lot of Parisians will respond to your question in English.  This happened to me alot though as time went on, I think my French got better and fewer ppl replied in English.