Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
exception). As you become better acquainted, your
French friends and colleagues will ask you to switch to
i rst names, but they will expect you to continue with
vous
.
Only when friendships are really established, should
you begin using the
tu/toi
and it should never be used
with your elders or superiors. You can imagine how this
language distinction regiments relationships.
NOUNS vs VERBS
French is also a more nominal language, while English is
more verbal. That means that nouns in French are more
important. Nouns categorise things, an important aspect of
French thinking and planning. Verbs are more important
in English because action is so primary to Anglo-Saxon
thinking. Direction of action is secondary.
The French will often devise an intricate Grand Plan
before taking any action. The star patterns of the roads of
France mean you don't want to start off on the wrong foot.
It may take our French speaker a great deal of ruminating,
including many meetings with colleagues, to devise his
plan. He will talk it over with everyone i rst, considering
every possibility, before he takes action.
When a Frenchman does take action, usually his goal
is set. Consequently, the direction of the action is usually
built into French verbs. In English, it tends to be tacked
on as an adverb or preposition. For example, we go down
or up the stairs. In French, il descend l'escalier or il monte
l'escalier. Same stairs. Different verb.
As you learn the language, don't overlook the beauty of
the language itself! Listen to the way the French speak, the
musicality. Imitate them. Use their inl ections and tones.
You'll soon get it. And they will love you for it.
FAUX AMIS
There are certain words you will learn that are false-friends
in French. They do not mean the same thing in French and
English, although they look the same. Here are a few:
adorer
to adore (in French, is only the third degree
of 'to like')
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