Thursday, January 31, 2013

How To Learn French The Easy Way?

French is one of the most spoken languages in the world. Resembling English, it is very well recognized as a language and numerous people are inclined towards learning it. But learning it as an exercise or course is not satisfactory, as it is spoken in a different attitude and etiquette, depending on the context of situation.

Unlike in America, where it's common to talk to strangers in a market or at school, in France people aren't used to this and will probably get a bit freaked out if you try it. But generally in France, the best way to meet people is through groups rather than trying to go solo. Let us look into different scenarios:

"HEY! HELLO!":

Like in English, when asked "what's up?" we usually give a one-word answer because fact is that nobody really cares. But in France they'll assume you actually want to know how they're doing, and they'll expect you to give a real answer, too. Politeness in France is mostly for work situations, between strangers, or when there's an age difference. With friends you can usually assume everything's fine. But between foreign languages and new cultures, misunderstandings happen pretty easily. So avoid being totally blank and keep some of these tension-defusing phrases handy. This is my first time in France. C'est la premiere fois que je viens en France.

I'd like to meet some French people. Je veux rencontrer des Francais.

Excuse me. Excusez-moi. (formal or plural)/Excuse-moi. (casual)

Don't worry about it. T'inquiete.

Don't worry about him/her. Ignore-le/la.

Pardon my French! Pardon, ca m'a ?chapp?.

How's it going? ca va? How you doing? Tu vas bien?

You doing good today? T'es en forme?

Long time, no see! ca fait longtemps, dis donc!

Watcha up to? Qu'est-ce que tu me racontes?

Nothing much. Pas grand chose.

"FORMALITIES":

Watch out for a few cultural differences in France. First, only medical doctors use "Dr." with their names; a Ph.D. in ceramics won't get you any special title. Second, there is no French equivalent to "Ms."; there are only "Mademoiselle" and "Madame." So the rule of thumb is to use "Mademoiselle" for every woman who looks under thirty; that won't get you into trouble.

Sir Monsieur

Ma'am Madame

Miss, Ms. Mademoiselle

Dr. Docteur

Mr. President Monsieur le pr?sident

Judge Monsieur/Madame le juge

"WANT TO TRY FRENCH RESTAURANT?":

In France, even ordering water at a restaurant can be a trip through a minefield. Remember, the French eat late. Most restaurants open for dinner at 7:30 p.m. All-you-can-eat buffets are almost non-existent in France. Once you order and have your meal, do ask for the bill. You have to ask for it or they won't bring it to you.

Bring me? Apportez-moi?

The menu la carte

Bread du pain

Silverware des couverts

The cheque l'addition

Can we order? On peut commander?

What do you recommend? Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez?

These were some common things to learn for a trip to France.

For more common terms to learn for a trip to France, see here.

Source: http://articles.submityourarticle.com/how-to-learn-french-the-easy-way--314722

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