Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Do you speak French?

Scrapbookdetail

When I arrived in France I was thirty years old and did not speak more than three words in French.  Some of you have asked me what was that like and how long did it take me to learn to speak French.

Scrapbookingfaces

It took me a very l………….o…………………..n…………………..g time to learn French.  I am still learning.  I have a very thick accent that doesn’t bother me in the least.  Several years ago at a dinner party a man asked me if I could read in French.  I answered that I could read basic French but not classic novels.  I also admitted I could not write in French.  In which he replied (in French) "Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? After all these years you haven’t learned?"  I replied, "I am stupid."  I thought I might as well tell him what he thought and avoid anymore of his insults.  It worked.  The conversation about my French language skills ended, though the dinner conversation continued on lighter topics.

Scrapbookbaby

Since then when French people ask me how long I have lived in France I know in a small way they are judging my French.  If I say "twenty years," they often reply in one or two ways:

1. You speak well, but you have a very thick accent.

or-

2. You speak like this after twenty years?

After awhile this sort of response started to bug me. 

I thought I would change my answer so that we would all feel good.  Therefore when a French person asks me how long have I lived in France I say,  "Not too long."  They respond by saying;

1) Incredible! Your French is very very good.

They smile and I smile everyone is happy.

Scrapbookingbabycrying

Yes I am bending the truth.  But that is a fault I can live with.  Unless God only speaks French in which case I am busted.

Scrapbookinghelp

I speak French.  I dream in French.  I can follow a conversation in French.  I started to speak French when I found out I had cancer 15 years ago.  (Amazing what a little fear can do to one’s language skills.)  I can buy antiques in French.  I can also kiss in French,  make crepes, and I feel I have come a long way since the day I couldn’t say more than oui and non.

Photos: French vintage pieces found in a scrapbook.

Comments

79 responses to “Do you speak French?”

  1. Jeanne

    I have a very french name and so does my husband.
    Everyone assumes we can speak fluent french.
    My friend
    Is Oooooh La La.
    Bonjour!
    I love you and all you share.
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  2. carole

    Corey:
    Thank goodness language skills are NOT a measure of your character or your story telling skills!!
    Warmly
    c

    Reply
  3. Natasha Burns

    Hi Corey,
    I can’t believe it has taken me so long to find your blog?! What world have I been living in… or what rock have I been hiding under! I love your stories, and came across here through your cousin Denise who commented on my blog. I guess that is the way I find new blogs! Well anyway, just saying hi and I enjoyed the read! I bet your French sounds fantastic! Afraid I never took French lessons further than year 10. My Italian taught to me by grandparents is all but gone, I regret not keeping up a second language. I think it’s great you can still speak English!!!
    Au Revoir!
    Natasha : )

    Reply
  4. Darla

    Knowing how to kiss in French must make up for a lot, LOL!
    A smile is worth a thousand words as they say.
    Darla

    Reply
  5. Kit

    It’s all about communication and I’m sure that you can always communicate what you want to, who cares about the accent.

    Reply
  6. rochambeau

    Dear Corey,
    You are my HERO for learning to speak a new language. I mean it! If I moved to a foreign country I would be one of those unfortunate souls who finds “their own kind” and lives in a bubble world, missing all the gusto of life. YOU DID IT. I admire you SO MUCH. Accent? Every person on the planet has an certain accent. It is actually kind of cool. It’s like a little dna of where we are from and where we have been.
    Your new answer is a good one.
    You also make me thing of how blessed we are that so many people on earth happen to speak English. We’re so fortunate to have a common language, good thing that language is English or I would miss out on SO MUCH.

    Reply
  7. Hasmin

    Ahhh…French, the language of LOVE. I took French in HS (many moons ago), because I loved the way it sounded, and I enjoyed the class, because of mon professor…hmmm, slight crush perhaps? 😉
    Corey, would you mind sharing your crepe recipe?

    Reply
  8. Beverly

    Speaking French is “on the outside.”
    Being brave is “on the inside.”
    And what is on the inside is what counts!
    And thankfully you are also wise enough to deter the rude comments!

    Reply
  9. Pam Aries

    French kiss…French fries…French Twist..French manicure! he hee! ..Isn’t it amazing that just turning your ansewr changed the response??!!

    Reply
  10. Katy

    Have you ever listened to Jacques Pepin speak English? He’s been here in the States far longer than you’ve been in France!
    I was a German major in college and spent a year in Germany during that time. The first time someone remarked that he couldn’t detect an American accent, I felt like kissing him! Ah, but that was 33 years ago and I know it would no longer be the case. I still understand it, though – mostly.
    One odd occurance, though. I was visiting in the home of one of my professors and they had a guest from Paris. The lady spoke no English, but they both spoke French (his wife had family in France). I had never studied French, but I had minored in Spanish. Imagine my surprise when I found myself following their entire conversation! I love languages.

    Reply
  11. Lorie

    I’ve often thought of doing this when people ask my age, either directly or indirectly. Add 10 years, and then you’ll get “Hey, you look great for __what ever age..you are!” It’s interesting too, as Americans we are so accepting (even adoring!) of the english spoken with foreign accents.. Love the scrap babies!

    Reply
  12. laura

    Lovely, lovely post. i turned 30 in Paris!! And though i was on the cusp of becoming fluent before i left to come back to the States, i know that now it would take me three times as long.
    LOL@ the french’s reaction. i once sang with two others in french at church and eveyone was SO SURPRISED that i could sing in French. Little did they know that i really let the other two do all the pronounciation and i did the harmony! LOL oh well….they were at least generous in my attempts.
    laura

    Reply
  13. Lea

    The crush is on… where are those french lessons, the ones I can plug into my ipod and take a crash course in less than two weeks??? I celebrated my 23 birthday in Paris, my first trip to France. “Today is my twenty-third birthday.” It is the one sentence I can say, perfectly, accent, inflection, etc. Unfortunately… I don’t think that one will now fly… maybe by tankard, but not by plane…

    Reply
  14. Mélanie

    Who cares if you speak french …anyway you speak the best language ….
    The language from the heart

    Reply
  15. Meredith

    Well, I for one, am just glad you can speak English. I enjoy your blog immensely.

    Reply
  16. Leanne Beasley

    We all smile in the same language. We all feel sadness in the same language. We are all mothers in the same language. We all feel pain in the same language. We all hang our washing in the same language. I am however practising my French for when I visit in four weeks….It would be rude not to at least say ‘bonjour’ and ‘merci’…

    Reply
  17. Melissa

    When you think of how long eternity is, replying to people that you have not lived in France, ‘too long’ is closer to the truth than you might believe.
    I like that you have removed their ability to judge you harshly and I also think, your French may be better than their English! 😉

    Reply
  18. Dee

    Corey…you can always tell them you want to “practice” your English…and ask them if they can please speak in English to help you out!
    Love the scrapbook finds!

    Reply
  19. Donna O.

    From your lips to God’s ear.
    I think you are one of the most interesting people I have ever met.I love what you say and how to say it. So there!

    Reply
  20. Pinkie

    Hello,
    I loved you post today Corey, I love the ever so sweet children’s scrap. When I was growing up my Avao and Avo only spoke Portuguese. I did not know until years later that this was my understanding. I would first hear things in
    that language then translate in my mind. My first grade teacher asked if I could talk? I didn’t have the confidence. Now when I am shopping or at a event and I hear the language perfectly and understand every word. But I do not speak it. I am thankful for the gift of understanding they past on to me, a very special one. Miss you Hugs and
    Kisses

    Reply
  21. Kim

    “…I replied I was stupid. I thought I might as well tell him what he thought and avoid anymore of his insults.”
    Ha ha ha ha ha. That cracked me up. The only thing better would be if you had told him “I might as well tell you what you already think…” ha. The Jerk Face. (I first wrote another word but I decided upon Jerk Face because I don’t think you’re the kind of person who would say, “Bastard”.)
    I’m terrible with languages. Terrible. Even though I enjoy travelling and consider myself a very “worldy” person. I just can’t seem to catch on. I even lived in Germany for two years and the Germans would stop in whenever I tried to speak to them because my language skills were horrifying.

    Reply
  22. Mo’a

    I love the scrap book photos…lovely little children.
    I still have an accent when I speak English…a little Icelandic and a little English, as I went to college in England…people here in the States tell me that my accent is charming…I think to myself…”what accent?” 🙂
    You are so very clever in the way you can lead the conversation to be possitive.

    Reply
  23. martina

    How long would it take these language critics to speak fluent/non accented Enghish? Loved the comment about Jacques Pepin’s accent after so many years in America. Corey, you are a beautiful person in any language.

    Reply
  24. Linda

    As you can tell by the name of my blog, I do not speak French well. I started at zero, have never been forced to speak French in a job and my French husband only speaks English with me,and most people in Paris speak English- so there you go. I get really embarassed by my bad French and often will do the same thing as you and fudge on my amount of time living in France. I feel humiliated, really, and French often tell me I should be fluent. I used to be one of those who thought it was awful when immigrants didn’t speak English after moving to the States but I now totally understand. I’m still plugging along and taking French lessons but at my age I’m starting to think it just isn’t going to take. I understand quite a bit now.

    Reply
  25. Massilianana

    You know what ? I’d find it very very sad if you totally lost your american accent ( I for my part am not making the slightest effort to lose my french accent when I speak in portuguese : too strenuous ). It is one of the accent I like best for foreigners to speak French with (along with brit’ accent and italian accent). It is so …sexy , this little foreign touch in our French language . Have you any idea of how delicious it is to hear let’s say , Jeff Bridges or Mel Gibson say “Bonjour la France” with his american accent ? I just melt , instantly !So don’t let anybody bug you about this ! Just answer them that , say , your husband / men find it sexier that you speak that way ! Ça leur clouera le bec ! Non mais ! ; )
    Loved all your posts recently , they rang some bells , believe me !
    Salut
    PS :”unfortunately” , Jodie Foster speaks French brilliantly so her accent is ever so so slight but she does make tiny charming errors… sexy again !

    Reply
  26. Mary

    Corey you would love the little 1927 pocket sized book I discovered this week at my local antiques shop. Printed for the US military and named “The Soldiers’ French Phrase Book”, it’s intro. says……”In the hope that it may prove a convenient and practical aid to intelligible expression used in every day conversation……..”. Includes words for The Star-Spangled Banner and The Marseillaise.
    My favorite sentences include..
    “Apportez-moi du pain rassis du lait”
    (bring me some stale bread and milk) WHY?
    “Astiquez vos cuirs” (shine your leather things). I love this little book but will probably bring it to France next year as a gift to my brother!
    Please keep posting in English but share all things French!
    Hugs – Mary.

    Reply
  27. Cheryl

    Corey, How brave you are to have started a new life in a different country. You have conquered and thrived! When I lived in Germany, I learned enough of the language to do the four most important things: shop at the flea markets, order from a menu, ask wo ist die toillette?, and mein auto ist kaput! By the way, those phrases are in order from most important to the least!! LOL

    Reply
  28. marita

    haha LOL!
    vous parlez francais…oui!!
    ca fait longtemps que vous vivez en france… no!!
    oh mon dieu, votre francais est excellent, madame!!
    clever corey!!

    Reply
  29. Catalina

    Don’t pay attention to this Corey. Most of people do not speak any other language, specially in France and North America.
    You speak incredibly well heart language!

    Reply
  30. Ulla

    Bend the truth girl!!! You are nothing short of MARVELOUS!!!!

    Reply
  31. stephanie

    To speak another language is such a gift…whatever accent you have. To live, love and thrive in another country, what a life!!!
    I have had the goal of learning Spanish for a long time now…beyond the very few things I remember from high school Spanish class.
    I just finished my first class, helps that the teachers were just the very cutest Peruvian brothers 🙂
    But I am dismally bad….takes me so long to put a sentence together, then the answer is rattled off and leaves me in the dark!

    Reply
  32. Rhonda M.

    Bonjour Cousin Corey
    I remember(and have been teaching my own daughter) the French words for Cork, Shoe, Good Bye, Thank you, Thank you very much!, Please, Excuse me, Fish, Cheese, Chicken, Yes, Mom and my all time favorite Garbage!
    O but wait..I can still count the pieces of chocolate (in French) that I would like you to fill my pretty little gold box with! YUM…
    O and remember Rosie that French talking baby doll my son bought for his little sister? WE still have her. She looks like she has lived a hard life! giggle giggle. I loved that you and your children would teach me (laugh at me)a new word or two when I came to visit. I am also proud of myself, that when my son and I arrived in Paris, I could ask a woman at the airport where the restroom was! I know my son was impressed! Well, maybe more embarrassed, but hey when you gotta pee you gotta pee! But mostly, I remember the surprised look on your face when we got off the elavator (an american woman that I had just met in the Toilet came and asked you for directions.) I can still hear you say… only you Rhonda can travel way across the world and make a friend 😀
    I was always proud of you, when you would negoiate me a great price on my “fragilities” (our own little made up French word for FRAGILE )at the street fairs! I always loved the way you made me feel so special in your home. Your home…so full of LOVE and romance… The time we went to visit your dear friend Annie..sitting there listening to the two of you converse in that lovely language. It made me feel nine again. How the times we would go with our mothers to visit our Vo and Vas. How I didn’t understand a word of Portuguese. But,we sure knew they were speaking about us, when our names rang loud and clear mixed in with their words.
    Soooooooooooooooooooo my favorite cousin in a land so far far way from me…YOU are my French Queen! I thank you for all those dinner parties… as you know my home is dressed with love and French flair… I had you in my mind and heart when I was hanging my memories on my walls.
    I love you… and think of you daily… hugs and kisses…

    Reply
  33. Heather

    Corey, a thousand years in France would not be enough, so when you tell people you’ve not been there very long, you are telling the truth! To me, twenty years would feel like half an hour in that glorious country!

    Reply
  34. liz elayne

    i love the truth of this post. and i love that you dream in french…dreaming in the language that isn’t your native tongue is pretty incredible.

    Reply
  35. eb

    you know my sweet friend
    my Muse…
    when one speaks
    from the heart…
    it is always eloquent
    and in all languages…
    understood completely
    by all who listen…
    with their heart
    and yours speaks volumes…
    xox – eb.

    Reply
  36. Blondie

    Interestingly, I can ALSO kiss in French.
    My French understanding is alright, but my speaking is, how do you say, wretched!!

    Reply
  37. heather

    i love languages, and the culture and way of thinking and expressing that comes with them. i am one of those who tries to speak without an accent, because that’s “right”. but really. native speakers aren’t perfect in their own language – we all took english classes and learn new words. after living in sweden for 3 years, i learned you can’t lose an accent. over age 10, there is no way to speak another language without an accent. of course i still try my best!
    and i loved that you told that guy you were stupid. awesome! until you try living in another land, you don’t appreciate how much work it is to read write and speak a language, and how much of that depends on if you have to. and very often, a large vocabulary or lack of accent or excellent writing skills doesn’t help us express the thoughts of the heart. at least you’ve got that down!

    Reply
  38. cruststation

    Better to try than not at all…I’m sure the French really appreciates that you are communicating to them in their language and not asking ‘Do you speak English?’ Language skills should be respected, especially for one who has travelled half way round the world and settled. Really love the scrapbook images (the crying baby in particular).

    Reply
  39. Leigh

    What a wonderful post! I like your line of thinking regarding the man at the dinner party and about changing how you respond to the question in general. Kissing in French is good! That is the only French I know.

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  40. Hanna

    I think that is a great answer, made me smile too! 🙂
    And all you need really is french kissing, right? 😉

    Reply
  41. Amy

    so interesting that you dream in French! I would love to learn French, but I am so wickedly shy. A friend told me to rent movies in French until it sounded like second nature. I might be grey by then…heh…
    ___________________
    I am grey and French is my second nature. Go for it!

    Reply
  42. Lorene

    Corey,
    I really enjoyed your post today. And I don’t blame you for bending the truth a little especially if you get a better reaction. And I must say that your reply to the man who said you should be ashamed of yourself was a great comeback. I for one would have probably gone off on him. It is definately not easy to learn a second language. I think you should be very proud of yourself.
    Lorene

    Reply
  43. parisbreakfasts

    I can write like a 10-year old in French.
    Well almost…
    Still practicing..
    Does that count

    Reply
  44. somepinkflowers

    sometimes to speak
    with your eyes
    or with a smile is all it takes,
    🙂
    n’es pas?
    _________________________
    Love does speak on its on.

    Reply
  45. ginnycartersmallenburg

    In the women’s lib era, stay-at-home mom (me) was often asked what I “did”. If I answered that I was a mom and housewife, a look of horror would come to their faces. Soon I learned to say ” I write and I paint”. This response elicited tales of writers and painters that they knew. I never shared with them that I wrote checks and painted hand me down furniture.
    ________________________
    I love your response. Creative truth.

    Reply
  46. Sally

    Oh! That makes me mad and sad that people were so rude to you Corey. 🙁 Why are people such idiots?!
    I stink at learning languages and I have no ear for accents … I think I must be tone deaf, can’t carry a tune to save my life. I’d definitely get trashed by those judgmental nincompoop sorts out there.
    I like your comeback … it not only stops them in their tracks but if they have a sensitive bone in their body, let’s them know they have gone way too far. Sending you hugs!
    Oh! I do so love all the graphics, so charming! 🙂

    Reply
  47. Rosemary

    I wish I could speak French. I tried to take a class, but the teacher was horrible.
    I know some on my own, but not very much.
    I bet you speak beautifully! I’m glad you shut that man up at dinner.
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  48. Aina

    Isn`t the French language difficult to learn? Well, i have heard so..At the moment i am living in The Netherlands (5 years now), my Dutch isn`t that great, but i do know it could have been much better. But it is too easy to speak Norwegian because of the fact that we (my hubby and i) have lived together for a few years in Norway, and he knows the language that well. I find it hard to have long discussions, i just don`t have enough words! And then i get sooooo frustrated. Do you feel the same? Yes, i want they to get me, but they don`t. Not really…And then we get those misunderstandings. I still have those with my hubby. Not just because of the language, but also because of the culture gap. For instance: In Dutch, immediately mean, about a few hours. In Norwegian it mean right away!! haha..i have had a few good laughs…Well, that was my story (“,)
    Greetings from a Norwegian who lives in The Netherlands, Aina

    Reply
  49. Lisa

    Ppppfft…The french say I speak french with an italian accent, and the italians say I speak italian with a french accent. At least the italian men find it all sexy!

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  50. maddie

    I just think you are brilliant – it is of course relative in terms of bending the truth –
    and “not too long” is perfect –
    I think what is far more important than the accent is your passionate embrace of the
    culture in every way – would put them to shame.
    tsk!

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  51. tut-tut

    You are my inspiration to read French blogs and do better myself!!! And I am!!!!!

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  52. qualcosa di bello

    sadly, though i am french via grandmere dipreaux, i do not speak nor read this most elegant of languages…maybe very soon!
    but i do kiss in french! oui, oui!

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  53. qualcosa di bello

    oh, yes and i also eat in french!

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  54. fleur

    Thanks for the answer, Corey (I asked how long it took). Your new response to French people asking how long you’ve been there is just perfect!
    I know two languages and am working on French — but think that living there is the only way to really learn. Maybe some day, if I’m lucky.

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  55. Pat

    Corey, you are an amazing woman! Another great post!
    Pat

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  56. elsa

    wow. what rhonda wrote is *so* sweet!
    well, you know that i am just learning german.not for my pleasure but because i had too. but i was so excited to start understanding everthing and so i have been basking in the glory of people telling me how impressed they were how great my german was until i reciently (2 times) got comments like “now that you can understand and talk, “du muss uebung machen” or “you must practice”
    butfrom now on i too will say “not too long” i will bend it too! thank you!

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  57. Pauline

    how telling that you sought a way to be kind and to make everyone feel comfortable. if only more people tried that…

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  58. Tammy

    When I studied in Avignon (and I use the term “studied” tres loosely!), I had been taking French classes for seven years, so I was conversational…not brilliant, not flawless, but I could hold up my end of a conversation. For the most part. With some exceptions. Anyway. Once I was on a train, I sat next to an older man and we visited, in French, for a bit. He said, in French, “where are you from, you have such a lovely accent. You must be Parisian.” Well, I was just tickled pink…still makes me smile as I write it here. I’m from a small town in southern Oregon with no accent at all. I told him so, and he said, “Impossible!”, which, naturellement, made me even giddier. He was a cute old guy, typically southern France, in his black wool beret and canvas boots, unshaven, smelling of lavender and red table wine. Hmmm…I haven’t thought about that in a long time. Thanks for the reminder with your post. A bientot!

    Reply
  59. Sandy

    Oh Corey,
    I hope I can describe in this comment what your words do for me every time I read your blog. You are so descriptive and creative in your use of words and it is almost like I’m reading my favorite novel and waiting for the next chapter to unfold. You are too clever with words spoken in ENGLISH and I’m sure even more so with FRENCH and I truly do enjoy your blog! My husband and I dream of owning a home in the south of France some day and I should probably start learning the language now!
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Blessings,
    Sandy 🙂

    Reply
  60. Sandy

    Oh Corey,
    I hope I can describe in this comment what your words do for me every time I read your blog. You are so descriptive and creative in your use of words and it is almost like I’m reading my favorite novel and waiting for the next chapter to unfold. You are too clever with words spoken in ENGLISH and I’m sure even more so with FRENCH and I truly do enjoy your blog! My husband and I dream of owning a home in the south of France some day and I should probably start learning the language now!
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Blessings,
    Sandy 🙂

    Reply
  61. tommiea

    I can’t wait to kiss in French….less than 90 days….whew hoo!

    Reply
  62. violetlady

    To dream in French is really something. That must mean that you are fully acclimated to the French language. I took French in high school and a little in college. When I went to Paris last year I was able to get by. Of course, they spoke a lot of English, too. I have French language CDs and books and try to practice. What I really need is someone with whom I can converse in French. It is amazing what I can remember from high school so many years ago.

    Reply
  63. susanna

    It’s pretty amazing how rude people can be regarding nationality or language…and unfortunately that rudeness is universal. I think many times people make such judgements without thinking that it takes alot of courage to move and live abroad, especially in a country where the residents speak another language.

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  64. pusa

    another great post! dont mind them besides they say french is the most difficult language to learn and you’ve come a long way learning more than the oui’s. cheers! 🙂
    thank you also for visiting my blog and leaving a comment, really really appreciate it!!! coolness!
    your fan

    Reply
  65. Elaine L.

    “Unless God only speaks French in which case I am busted.”
    That statement made me chuckle. I’m so happy to hear that you have a terrible accent. All hope for me is not lost. I do not have an HEAR for languages.
    My daughter, on the other hand, has a brain that is totally wired for any language. She gets the perfect accent right off.
    ~elaine~

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  66. Bridget

    J’adore ces images!

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  67. tinker

    I think you may have reached a perfect solution – since doesn’t God want us to be kind to one another? Your line made me laugh so hard –
    You’re a treasure, Corey~xox

    Reply
  68. Paris Parfait

    Corey, everything you’ve said about the French reaction to the way we speak their language is absolutely true. And I too say, “Not long,” when asked by a French person how long I’ve lived here.

    Reply
  69. Toni Mason

    I have never tried to learn a foreign language well except in the 9th grade! I think I have a foreign language block! I do want to learn how to navigate in Italian though…can you help?
    ___________________________
    Tonio-
    Um…Italian? “Bella Luna,” is about the only words of Italian that I know. Butta, I thinka if you putta “a” or an “o” after your words you mighta getta soma righta?

    Reply
  70. Colette

    Better to bend the truth than say “I’m stupid” because you are anything but!
    It reminds me of the Americans who hate that some oldsters still can’t speak english even though they’ve been there 40 years. Specifically in Miami where there are so many spanish speakers. So, yes it’s universal.
    And, languages don’t come easily to some people while others pick them up quickly. C’est la vie!
    Great post! xox

    Reply
  71. sognatrice

    Ah, I can feel your frustration, especially since you’re one who expresses herself so well in her native language.
    Next time someone dogs your French, I think you should react in one of two ways (1) If they don’t speak English, tell them to move to England (they’ll *love* just that suggestion!) and see how well they do knowing nothing going in; or (2) Start speaking English with a really deep regional accent of your choice and use a lot of slang. Then ask them why they don’t understand you 😉

    Reply
  72. Catherine

    Bonsoir Corey!
    J’aime beaucoup votre blog mais hélas,je suis incapable de vous répondre dans un anglais correct!Je suis sure que vous parlez très bien le français et gardez votre accent surtout,c’est surement ce qui fait votre charme quand vous parlez français(avec votre personnalité bien sûr!LOL)
    C’est dommage que vous soyiez à Paris,j’aurais aimé vous faire connaître mon coin de France:la Bretagne!
    Continuez de nous charmer sur votre blog! Bonne soirée!

    Reply
  73. Marie-Noëlle

    Did Rude Frenchie finally take the French leave? I DO hope he DID !!!
    ______________________
    His comment was rude. But I don’t think he meant to be so harsh. I beleive he was having a bad day and took a stab at me. I also don’t beleive he thought I would understand what he said. It often surprises people that I understand them far better than how I can speak.

    Reply
  74. Betty C.

    I CAN read and write French — better than a lot of French people, I might add. But I still get those comemnts about my accent too…sigh…

    Reply
  75. Kitem

    French are very rude about their language, it is something that irritate me a lot. Our French accent when speaking English is awful, however for the British, it is “soo sweet”, we have to take some lesson here.

    Reply
  76. AnnieElf

    I remember being in the marketplace in Laval twelve years ago. I was talking with an old man in my stumbling, bumbling French. He was so sweet and patient and we DID communicate. He seemed to love that I was trying to speak in HIS language and I was not expecting HIM to speak English. That has always been a little moment of kindness that I’ve never forgotten. Désirent ardemment de phase le vieil homme.

    Reply
  77. Amber

    I would fib, too, Corey.
    I am marveling at how different it is here in California…Where an American can hardly get around in some areas if they don’t speak Spanish! LOL!
    I think we could actually learn something from France. Heh.
    🙂

    Reply
  78. My Melange

    Corey,
    You are an inspiration! Especially to someone like me who would be afraid to move because of not being able to learn the language. I do feel though that each time I visit France, my French gets better and better…maybe one day I’ll be as good as you are 🙂 I have also been told that Provincial French is very different than ‘Paris’ French. Parisians say you have an ‘accent’. I think that is hilarious 🙂

    Reply
  79. Cassoulet Cafe

    Love this post. Maybe THAT is why my French friends rave about my faulty French. I haven’t lived there for 20 years yet.

    Reply

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