I live in Montreal, my experience is that French people speak great English while most Quebecers can’t ask for the bathroom in English. Of course, the French people coming here are generally open minded compared to Jean-Guy from Brossard who not only shoots you a “yes-no-toaster” when you ask him if he speaks English but also thinks it’s the funniest thing he’s ever said.
My experience with the French is that they’re happy to speak English if you say something like “Excusez-moi, perlez vous anglais?” but may pretent to not understand you if you just start in English.
Which is actually pretty fair when I think about it.
Very true. English speakers are sometimes taken aback, but it’s usually a way to show respect to the local language, and acknowledge that you are asking them a favor to speak a second language.
I live in Montreal, my experience is that French people speak great English while most Quebecers can’t ask for the bathroom in English. Of course, the French people coming here are generally open minded compared to Jean-Guy from Brossard who not only shoots you a “yes-no-toaster” when you ask him if he speaks English but also thinks it’s the funniest thing he’s ever said.
My experience with the French is that they’re happy to speak English if you say something like “Excusez-moi, perlez vous anglais?” but may pretent to not understand you if you just start in English.
Which is actually pretty fair when I think about it.
Very true. English speakers are sometimes taken aback, but it’s usually a way to show respect to the local language, and acknowledge that you are asking them a favor to speak a second language.