Job Discussion Forums

[cam]

My experience in Quebec and France with the locals seems to have been quite different from some of the people on this board.

First of all, when I arrived in Quebec I couldn't speak a word of French so I studied French for 6 months at Laval University before I transfered into a regular program at the university. During my 5 years in Quebec the people were kind and helpful and most seemed to appreciate the fact that I made a sincere effort to learn and speak their language.

Second, in Paris the people were also nice to me because I made an effort to speak French.

Third, although I have an excellent grasp of French I still have a slightly english accent and sometimes francophones answer me in english or attempt to speak to me in english. I always say I prefer to speak French and then they always comply.

Lastly, most people in Quebec want to learn and use English but they also want to maintain their French language and culture and Canadians should seek to respect this.

[gaijinalways]

I've found most Canadian in Montreal and Quebec City to be quite friendly. In most parts of France, the reverse , especially France. Even when we made the effort (our French not being great), I never felt overly welcome (though my wife and I to this day love the Alsace region, plan to go there again the summer after ) in most parts of France, Canada feels more like going next door.

[dan_lawrence]

I was at a train station in Belgium near the French border waiting to take a train to Paris for the day. A train pulled into the station and from a distance I loudly asked the stationmaster (in my poor French) which coach was first class. He exploded violently with obvious pain replying " Speak english, your French she stink!" I replied in excellent German "Speak German, your English stinks!" He was stunned. Then with a slight smile he said "Touche!"