Feb 04 2008
Do You Speak Franglais?
Some of you may know that the journalist Miles Kington, recently died. But did you know he was also king of Franglais? This article on the BBC is a great read about how the English are so keen on using Franglais as more often than not, language skills are somewhat lacking! I think many of us have slipped in the odd English word into whichever language we’re trying to speak even when we’re desperately trying to communicate in the local language. Although I speak French, there are many times when I forget words and throw the English in, in the hope of being understood. I even use a mix of French and pidgin Spanish when holidaying in Spain, and that can work a treat!
So, vive le Franglais, Franish and any other combination de mots that gets you understood!
Great article and I love the franglais sent in by readers! Another trick to communicating in french (or any foreign language) is to s-l-o-w down and speak very LOUDLY. This has been used by previous generations with a modicum of success.
I remember stopping at a cafe in Calais some years ago with my non-French-speaking husband. He tried to order 2 coffees in franglais and elicited a typical gallic shrug for his efforts. Fortunately I was able to come to the rescue, and there were smiles all round. Sometimes just a few words in french are enough!