Pétoncles, not Scallops!

[tollbaby]

Her Mom refuses to learn French because "she doesn't live in Quebec and everyone should speak English". Her parents are very nice and even sent me some Provincial quarters and a Timmy quarter. Totally cool.

See, to me, that's sad. New Brunswick is the only OFFICIALLY bilingual province in Canada (Nunavut's officially bilingual as well, but it isn't a province). However, there are LARGE francophone populations in Ontario, Manitoba and (believe it or not) Nova Scotia. Quebec is the only officially francophone province, but even they only have about 60% originally francophone, and it's estimated that approximately 70% of THOSE are fluently bilingual. I grew up on the ONtario side of the river, but believe me, 5km away, living on the Quebec side, the last two years have definitely been an adventure! (fluently bilingual since 1976, thanks).

[Shironu-Akaineko]

Quebec is the only officially francophone province, but even they only have about 60% originally francophone, and it's estimated that approximately 70% of THOSE are fluently bilingual.

Where are they??? There's none of those here except me and mom!!!

For some reason I get the giggles imagining somebody going to a Canadian grocery store and demanding poisson, NOT fish.

Probably thinking Poisson is french fish therefore it tastes better than english fish?

[Gurndigarn]

Oh no!! Not loanwords!! aaaggghhh!!!!

English speakers are word-whores. We'll take 'em from anywhere

"The Problem with defending the purity of the English language is that the English language is as pure as a crib-house whore. It not only borrows words from other languages; it has on occasion chased other languages down dark alley-ways, clubbed them unconscious and rifled their pockets for new vocabulary." - James Nicoll

[BookstoreEscapee]

"The Problem with defending the purity of the English language is that the English language is as pure as a crib-house whore. It not only borrows words from other languages; it has on occasion chased other languages down dark alley-ways, clubbed them unconscious and rifled their pockets for new vocabulary." - James Nicoll

I love it! I just emailed that to myself at home so I can add it to my quote file

[Cia]

See, to me, that's sad. New Brunswick is the only OFFICIALLY bilingual province in Canada (Nunavut's officially bilingual as well, but it isn't a province).

Yeah it is, but her Mom is very stubborn and a little bit nuts. I think it is weird because her Mom is Canadian born so you would think that at some time in her life she would have had French in school - I don't know which province her Mom was raised in.

[Shironu-Akaineko]

The logical thing would be to consider how you'd get your messages across on vacation.

Learning other languages is useful even if you don't live in the province/country. You might have to go there one day.

I was going to Cuba for two weeks and took an intensive Spanish course.

I just believe that the universal translator in Star Trek does not exist yet so I'LL make the effort to LEARN.

[Gurndigarn]

The logical thing would be to consider how you'd get your messages across on vacation.

Learning other languages is useful even if you don't live in the province/country. You might have to go there one day.

Hey, if they're on vacation, I'll be happy if they just bring along a phrase book. So long as they're at least trying. It's the ones who think you're inconsiderate because you don't speak their language that get me.

[BusBus]

errr... *BLUSH* yes...

Environment Canada, actually

HAHA! I knew it! In Gatineau, you don't ask someone, "Where do you work?", you ask them, "So, what department do you work for?" Actually, I know someone who worked for EC for a while. He had nothing but praise for it. He only left because he got an indeterminate position with another department.

Hey, if they're on vacation, I'll be happy if they just bring along a phrase book. So long as they're at least trying. It's the ones who think you're inconsiderate because you don't speak their language that get me.

At the bare minimum, learn to say, "Excuse, do you speak [insert language here]?" Sometimes, one can find someone who speaks [insert language here].

[Rapscallion]

At the bare minimum, learn to say, "Excuse, do you speak [insert language here]?" Sometimes, one can find someone who speaks [insert language here].

Actually, British toruists have a simple phrase for that, and it works in all cultures and countries.

"Excuse me? Do you speak English? Then find me someone who does - chop chop!"

We conquered a world on that phrase.

Rapscallion

[BookstoreEscapee]

Hey, if they're on vacation, I'll be happy if they just bring along a phrase book.

Please edit quotes

There is a publisher of phrase books called "Me No Speak" -my new favorite name
I got one at work yesterday, it's just a little 2"x3" book, perfect for your pocket.

[Shironu-Akaineko]

There is a publisher of phrase books called "Me No Speak" -my new favorite name
I got one at work yesterday, it's just a little 2"x3" book, perfect for your pocket.

I'm gonna get me one of those.

[Cia]

I've always had this urge to go to Quebec and order a cheesburger and fries in Spanish. I need to lay off the antihistamines.

[Shironu-Akaineko]

I've always had this urge to go to Quebec and order a cheesburger and fries in Spanish. I need to lay off the antihistamines.

Papas? Your dad isn't here!

[KuzcoLlama]

Papas? Your dad isn't here!

Dear me, a classmate of mine said that all the time until I gently pinched his neck and pointed out how he loved to talk about fries.

[Hemily]

i had french classes, i can't remember anything but one phrase, wich i doubt would help me in france or french canadian places

tu est crotte en chien! or something like that