How Much French Should You Know To Go to France?

Knowing some French is a good cultural prerequisite to visiting France.

Many People Visit With No French Training

Many Americans visit France every year with little to no advanced French language preparation. French-English translation dictionaries are widely available and are often used in French-speaking only parts of France. English is a common second language in much of France so you may not even need your dictionary depending on where you travel. American French students often travel abroad and claim to learn more in a few weeks immersed in the culture and language than they do in years of classwork.

More Language Skills Make Travel More Efficient

French are known for their country and cultural esteem and many native French citizens prefer that tourists attempt to learn the culture and speak the language. Having some advanced training through school, books, audio tapes, and more will allow you to be much more prepared to get involved in basic French interaction. This will reduce time flipping through your translator.

Bottom Line

While you could probably get by without much French language preparation before visiting France, serious travelers are usually compelled to build a foundation of basic conversation skills. This shows a better appreciation for the culture and its people and makes your visit more enriching.

References

• ccclsanaa: Parlez-Vous Francais?- Learning French In France
• How to Learn Any Language: French Language Profile