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Français, Montreal
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Français: Say Something in French
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  • By emilienoelle on April 10, 2004
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  • Notre Dame de Bonsecours, River View - Montreal
    Notre Dame de Bonsecours,
    River View
    by emilienoelle
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    Even if you don't understand a word of French, it is a good idea to learn a few key phrases before you go to Montreal. Almost everyone there speaks English, but as a matter of good manners it is a good idea to greet people in French and then ask politely if they speak English. A simple, "Bonjour, Madame, parlez-vous Anglais?" will do.

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    Français: A Little Goes A Long Way
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  • By jessicat1982 on March 21, 2004
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  • So you ask yourself, "Should I learn french if I want to get by in Montreal?" Honestly? It all depends on what area you're staying in. You have to understand that french is the first official language in Quebec and alot of residents feel strongly about that. As alot of people have already mentioned, it's a good idea to know at least the basics if you want locals to be friendly to you. If you're staying on the Island, especially Downtown, you can definately get by on little to no french. We do love our tourists and try to acommodate as much as possible. The further you get away from the island the more french becomes a neccessity, rather than a common courtesy. In certain areas on the south shore like longueuil and most of the eastern townships there's about a 60% chance you'll run into someone who doesn't speak a lick of english or will pretend they don't at least.:P do yourself a favor and learn at least a little of the language. it'll save you the trouble and embarrassment of gesticulating wildly and speaking slowly and loudly when you ask someone for directions or advice that doesn't speak any english:P

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    Français: Une ville dans une province Québecoise
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  • By Eilian on September 8, 2002
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  • Français - Montreal
    by Eilian
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    You have to know that in Québec province, the official languages are french and english. BUT, in Québec province, there is around 8 millions of people. In Montréal, we are 2 millions. So, out of Montréal, everyone speaks french, it is only in the metropolis that some people speaks english. So, wherever you are (on the street, in a museum etc), ask in french first the question you need answer at. It makes us smile and more friendly. As if you are in Italy and you try to speak italian (even if you are not good at), in Québec province we appreciate when you try more french. ;-) Even just Bonjour and Merci, Bonne journée etc.

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    Français: supposedly people here sepak...
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  • By chaistarr on September 8, 2002
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  • supposedly people here sepak french. i learned parisian french for 4 years and didnt understand much beyond 'au revoir' in quebecois french.

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    Français: The Whole Language Thing...
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  • By Lisser on May 15, 2003
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  • ~I speak and understand French pretty good and was looking forward to trying out my second language...I was quite disappointed to discover that 'Bonjour' and 'Merci' were the extent required of my French vocabulary. ~The only plus of knowing the language is that when the French talk about you "behind your back" the joke's really on them! (Yes, it happened to me and several people I was with.) ~Finally, never assume that because someone is only speaking French, they don't understand what you're saying in English. I'm not trying to generalize all French people, but a great number of them can understand english but won't tell you- so don't be fooled! ~The bottom line is this: you don't need to know a word of French to visit Montreal!

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    Français: En francais s.v.p
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  • By Rice_Paper on July 5, 2003
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  • I find that English is a more common language in Montreal than French. Maybe it's to accommodate all the tourist (3rd most profitable industry in Quebec...after Maple Syrup and hockey??..not sure about the hockey one.) HAHAHA Though it is nice to start off the conversation with a lil Bonjour, Bonsoir, Salut...etc and work my way down to using my highschool French as much as I can. heheheh

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    Français: Quebecois (canadian french) is...
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  • By miromi on September 8, 2002
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  • Quebecois (canadian french) is sooooo cute. you should try to learn some French because it gives a good impression.

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    Français: Even if most of the...
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  • By Brainstorm on August 25, 2002
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  • Français - Montreal
    by Brainstorm
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    Even if most of the Montrealers are bilingual, you should learn some basic words in the official language: French. Because of the political situation of Québec, some persons may be a little colder to you if you accost them only in English... So, my advice is: have a try! Nobody will mind if you only know 'bonjour' or 'merci'. An effort is always welcome with a huge smile :)

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    Français: I was really surprised when I...
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  • By caf98 on August 25, 2002
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  • Français - Montreal
    by caf98
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    I was really surprised when I realized the most part of the population speaks french. The french culture is really part of this city, the most european city from all North America. I was only disappointed by the rare museums and historic places dedicated to the american natives. Anyway, I recommend to visit the Musee d´archeologie et d´historie de Montreal.

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    Français: Even if you just smile a lot . . .
  • By alyra on November 10, 2005
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  • Even if you just smile a lot and say "Oui, oui", your effort at the language will be appreciated. It shows that you're not just a tourist in a "nosy" sense of the word. It shows that you're willing to try things their way. Most of them speak English, but some of them -- take the housekeepers in the hotels -- don't speak any English at all, so it would be good to learn their language, even if it's just the basics.


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