The problem with France is... that it's full of French! - by N'Al
N'Al on 18/2/2007 at 12:53
Or rather: French-speaking people.
I've recently started a six-month work placement in Paris*, and it made me realise how appalingly shit I am at speaking French. It really is quite frustrating. I feel like a five-year old with a serious speech impediment, sometimes. Then again, that's probably how it sounds when I speak English as well, so no surprises there really... ;)
And, hell, this is after having learned French at school for seven years! Which, luckily, means that I can actually understand a lot of what people are saying, it's just that my replies usually consist of two- to three-word sentences, e.g. "Merci beaucoup", "Au revoir", "Bonne journée", and "Je comprends pas". Admittedly, it does sometimes have its advantages: "Sorry, mister officer, I didn't realise my car was parked in a no-parking zone. I'm a stupid foreigner, what do you expect? Anyway, fuck you very much, au revoir!"
Most of all, though, I've definately got new-found respect for people who just (have to) pack up their bags and move to another country without any knowledge of the language whatsoever - given they manage to learn the language and integrate into society, of course. I really appreciate how tough it can be, and remember I do know some French already, so in theory it should be easier for me. Ah, well, hopefully at the end of the six months I'll be speaking French like it's nobody's business.
Anybody else here had a (work) placement abroad where they had to come to grips with the language?
Anyway, if this sounds like I'm just whingeing about France/ the French in this thread, that's certainly not my intention. At all. In fact, I am really enjoying the placement so far, my work colleagues are cool, and I'm confident it'll get even better. Especially since we're moving into swanky new offices next week. :D
Plus, I obviously wanted to take this thread as an opportunity to pimp the inevitable book of my adventures once I'm done. It's going to be called: Half a Year in the Merde.
* Well, it's in Suresnes, really, one of the suburbs, but no need to be fastidious, eh?
Shadow Creepr on 18/2/2007 at 13:51
Ooooo La La! Congratulations on your new job.
I'm one of those who packed my bags and made the move but one advantage is I moved to a country where the language is English. It definitely makes the transition easier when simple things like street signs and billboards are in your native language. I recently made a short trip to Germany to visit friends and even though I have lived there before, I only remember a few words. I recall waiting on a train and trying to see if I could interpret what I thought the billboards in the station were advertising. Of course, the pictures themselves help but none of words made sense. So, I do understand where you're coming from.
Part of the adventure is learning everything you can about the area you're in. I'm sure it will all work out. Enjoy your time there. :)
Gillie on 18/2/2007 at 14:10
It sound like fun!. It will be by the sound of it.
When My hubby was in the forces many people being sent to Germany and place like Cyprus. Quite a few went out of their way to learn the language.
Some did not even bother.
I think it is nice to learn it. I think it is easier to pick up as well actually living there.
I would have loved to have done that. :cool:
We have half our street signs in different languages now.:erg:
I feel ashamed really I originate fron the Channel Islands where Frech was taught,the roads are "French names". Slightly different dialect.
I only know a few words myself.
rachel on 18/2/2007 at 14:31
Quote Posted by N'Al
Plus, I obviously wanted to take this thread as an opportunity to pimp the inevitable book of my adventures once I'm done. It's going to be called:
Half a Year in the Merde.
I'll be waiting for that one... :laff:
Been living in Barcelona for just a year and a week now, quite a good place*. I don't quite plan to spend my life here (I tend to prefer colder countries) but I'll certainly be staying a few years with gusto. I'm even half-understanding Catalan now. :thumb: Then again, I spend good part of my last Uni years studying in Spain, so the move wasn't that difficult...
*Speaking of which, still waiting for that Barcelona TTLG meet, guys! C'mon! ;)
Mr.Duck on 18/2/2007 at 18:52
Bring coffee and croisants, ya damn fool.
:)
C'est la vie, as they say, N'al, mon ami.
Stefan_Key on 18/2/2007 at 23:22
Quote Posted by N'Al
Or rather: French-speaking people.
And don't expect French people making efforts... :laff:
Quote:
"
Sorry, mister officer, I didn't realise my car was parked in a no-parking zone. I'm a stupid foreigner, what do you expect? Anyway, fuck you very much, au revoir!"
Be careful with the F word, my friend, even policemen tend to know/hear what it means.
Quote:
It's going to be called:
Half a Year in the Merde.
Indeed.:cheeky:
OnionBob on 18/2/2007 at 23:30
The problem with Niger is...
Ulukai on 18/2/2007 at 23:50
It's a backwards country
Oh, and hepatitis A
Ultraviolet on 18/2/2007 at 23:58
Quote Posted by OnionBob
The problem with Niger is...
Bahaha.
st.patrick on 19/2/2007 at 00:49
...one Frenchman is a helluva nice guy.
Two Frenchmen are a bunch of bloody leftists.;)
