Why do French People Switch to English?
When speaking to a foreigner, French people often switch to the other language if they can. Why?
- Is it to show they can speak another language? Maybe.
- Do they think they are being polite and making you more at ease? Probably.
- Do they want to practice? Absolutely.
One thing is certain though, the idea that YOU may want to practice your French doesnât really cross their mind! They donât realize that this can seem rude and so frustrating to someone that spends months/years trying to learn and master French.
Why do the French Want to Speak English?
The fact that a French person speaks English to you doesnât mean s/he cannot understand your French. As we saw above, s/he just has her/his own agenda.
So donât be too sensitive about it, and just persevere: keep speaking French, itâs your right, and you worked hard for it!
The French person should get the idea and switch back to French. If not, then s/heâll speak English, youâll speak French, and at least youâll get to practice your French!
A new approach to learning both traditional and modern French logically structured for English speakers.
Choose The Right Conditions
When traveling to a French-speaking country, you are entitled to practice your French. But you also need to be aware of the context. All French people are not your private French teachers.
So, if you are somewhat fluent in the language, this should not be a problem, and you shouldnât hesitate to state your preference to speak French.
But you have to be able to at least communicate for people to engage in an exchange in French.
Say you are at a busy Parisian cafĂ©, the waiter probably has other things to do than trying to figure out what you are saying â when he speaks fluent EnglishâŠ
So try to be sensitive to the context and the people you are engaging in a French conversation. Then, when the time and place are right, be firm about speaking French.
Some Places are Better to Practice your French
I already talked about this in my article âVacationing in France to practice your Frenchâ.
Paris is a busy city, a lot of people do speak English and wonât have time for you.
You will have more luck in smaller French cities or the French countryside where people donât speak English and will be happy to meet a foreigner who is learning French, and glad to help you out.
French Sentences to ask the French to Speak French to you
Now letâs see some phrases you can use to ask a French person to speak French with you.
- âJâĂ©tudie le français et jâaimerais parler français avec vousâ â
I am studying French and I would like to speak French with you - âJe prĂ©fĂšre parler en français sâil vous plaĂźtâ â
Iâd rather speak French, please - âJe ne comprends pas toutâ
I donât understand everything
Itâs better than âje ne comprends pasâ which means you donât understand ANYthing. - âVous pouvez parler plus lentement/fort sâil vous plaĂźtâ â
Could you speak slower/ louder, please - âJe ne parle pas trĂšs bien, mais je comprends si vous parlez simplementâ I donât speak very well, but I understand if you speak simply
- âCâest gentil de mâaider avec mon françaisâ
How kind of you to help me with my French - âJe suis venu spĂ©cialement en France pour parler françaisâ
I came specially to France to speak French
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You may also enjoy these articles on FrenchTodayâs blog.
- Vacationing in France to practice your French
- Avoid saying ârĂ©pĂ©tez sâil vous plaĂźtâ
- Think Twice about asking people to correct your French
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