Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
complete his or her question. He or she will then wait
patiently for your answer. If you don't know exactly where
he or she is trying to go, send him off in the right direction,
suggesting he or she ask someone at the next intersection.
If you know where he or she is going and you have a few
moments, escort him or her to the place where he wants
to go. This is not required, but it is a gracious extension of
the favour.
In turn, if you ask directions of a French person, you do the
same. First, you apologise for disturbing him or her. (
Excusez-
moi, Monsieur, de vous déranger, mais j'ai un problème
…) Then
ask your question, giving him or her the courtesy of time to
own participation in this remarkable city in clothes
that make you look your best. If you feel good about
yourself and how you look, the French don't care what
you wear. At the opera you'll i nd everything from full
length gowns with diamond tiara to blue jeans and
T-shirts. It's your own best taste.
Communicating
To be able to speak some French, enough to
communicate basic needs and desires, will make a
tremendous difference in your life in France. Most
French people are very tolerant of poor French.
(I know, because mine is lousy.) Once you've
tried to reach out in French, they will usually
reach out, too, relieved that your French is even
worse than their English. We will throw in French
words here and there, to help get you started,
and in
Chapter 8: Learning French
, you will be
provided more tips, as well as a good discussion
of the many non-verbal ways the French express
themselves. Persevere! You'll be challenged and
rewarded time and again when you are in any
Francophone country.
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