Embarking on a new life in France can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to language barriers. B A Boyle, a British expat, shares a light-hearted narrative in the third installment of a series from PFS France, highlighting the humorous side of overcoming communication hurdles in a new country. With a blend of wit and wisdom, this account serves as a reminder to approach language learning with patience, creativity, and a good dose of humor.
Many of us recall our school days when French vocabulary and verb conjugations were diligently studied. However, the French taught in classrooms often falls short in real-world situations. Phrases like "Où est la gare?" (Where is the station?) or "Je voudrais réserver une chambre avec douche" (I'd like to book a room with a shower) might not get you as far as you'd hope. In fact, according to a study by the European Commission, only 38% of Europeans claim they can speak English well enough to have a conversation, which means that in France, relying on English isn't always a viable option.
Upon settling in France, we quickly learned two invaluable tips for navigating the language barrier:
Our first summer in a quaint French village presented the perfect opportunity to test these strategies. Preparing for visiting family, we purchased paddling pools from the supermarket—one for water and another for sand. However, the word for sand had long escaped me. After a comical exchange with a store assistant, I recalled the French word for beach ("plage") and asked for a "sack of beach." This request, while amusing to onlookers, was successful—we got our sand.
The linguistic challenges didn't end there. A leaky bathroom tap required a new washer, but without the French word at hand or a suitable alternative, we were at an impasse. Resorting to our second tip, we asked the assistant to speak more slowly. His understanding led to a brief disappearance, only to return with two sacks of cement ("deux ciment") instead of the desired washers.
On subsequent visits to the DIY store, we opted to bring a dictionary, a testament to the timeless utility of this resource. According to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, French is the fifth most spoken language in the world, with 300 million speakers. This global presence underscores the importance of learning French, not just for expats in France but for anyone interested in international communication.
In conclusion, moving to France and grappling with the language can be a source of both frustration and laughter. Boyle's experiences remind us that while a sense of humor is essential, so is a good dictionary. For those considering a move to France, or any non-English speaking country, embracing the local language with an open mind and a willingness to laugh at oneself can turn linguistic obstacles into memorable anecdotes.
For more insights on living in France, visit PFS France.
