I’m from Boston and I’d like to visit Quebec City, but I’m not fluent in French. I know some French, the very basics, but if someone was to start having a conversation with me in French I’d be lost. I really only know basic French words like tres bien, merci, salut, fenetre, etc.
Yes.
While the city is 95% Francophone, most people in the tourist areas have at least some English, and in my experience, a smile and patience will get you places the lack of language will not.
It is a fabulous place to visit; one of my favourite places in Canada. It is so much like being in Europe – foreign language and all!
The only trick is that the highway signs are only in French. But, Est is East, and Ouest is West, Nord is north, Sud is South, Sortie is Exit, and most everything else is a picture.
I highly recommend visiting there. I have enjoyed it every time I’ve gone.
You’ll be fine. Just make an effort in French, and you’ll mysteriously find that nearly everyone will say "oh, that’s OK, we speak English, too."
References :
been there
you don’t have to speak French, you can speak english there. It’s just that people will think a lot less of you if you don’t speak french. My friend went there and everyone just ignored him because he didn’t speak French.
References :
Canada is a bilingual country. Most Quebecois have studied English in school. If they work in the tourist industry, their English is generally excellent. Stores, etc are usually fine. It’s much easier to get along in English within Quebec, than it is to get along in French elsewhere in Canada. Remember your Bonjour, Merci, and Pardon and that much effort will go a long way.
On the other hand, see if you can brush up before you go, because the more your know, the better your experience will be!
References :
Yes.
While the city is 95% Francophone, most people in the tourist areas have at least some English, and in my experience, a smile and patience will get you places the lack of language will not.
It is a fabulous place to visit; one of my favourite places in Canada. It is so much like being in Europe – foreign language and all!
The only trick is that the highway signs are only in French. But, Est is East, and Ouest is West, Nord is north, Sud is South, Sortie is Exit, and most everything else is a picture.
I highly recommend visiting there. I have enjoyed it every time I’ve gone.
References :
They speak a very good english there.
If you are acting as a polite person, if you don’t take them from high, and if you avoid sensible topics such as canada, religion and some of the us values or beliefs that are wrongly described by the americans as being universal… it should be ok ! They are very kind and easy going.
References :
You’ll actually do better as an English speaking American in Quebec City than would an English speaking Canadian.
When they realize that you’re an American they’ll make every effort to communicate with you and make you feel at home.
As a unilingual Canadian my one and only visit to Quebec City was not particularly pleasant. When people found out that I was a Canadian who (sin of sins) didn’t speak French I was treated poorly. I will never return to Quebec City.
References :
Of course. Stop and think for a minute. If people couldn’t visit places where they didn’t speak the language, hardly anyone in North America would ever go to France, or Italy, or Germany, never mind Quebec. And Japanese tourists couldn’t visit the US either and I’m sure you get foreign tourists in Boston. If you know a little bit of French, learn enough to say "I’m sorry, I don’t speak French". And learn enough to say please and thank you in French. But you’ll find many English speaking people there anyway. Just go. Have fun.
References :
As long as you stay in the tourist areas, everybody is able to speak English. If you start off with "parlez vous anglais?" (do you speak English?), most people will gladly speak English with you.
I attempted to speak French when I was there, but my accent was so bad that everybody responded to me in English.
References :
Been there, done that. I am fluent in French however people there Speak very good English and you will often see English subtitles
References :
Let me tell you that you are more than welcomed to visit this lovely city. You don’t need to speak French, they are bilingual. Quebec is one of the nicest cities in the world. Of course not all of them speak English but many do. They strive to make their tourists happy. I go back every year. It’s also where I met my wife. You’ll enjoy your stay I’m sure. I give them a five star.
References :
Pretty much everyone is right!
Everyone in the touristy areas will know English and will gladly assist you in English. Using your French basics such was, ”Bonjour” / ”Au revoir” / ”Merci” / ”S’il vous plaît” etc. will get you a LONG way. Quebecers appreciate the effort you make to speak their language, whether you keep going in English or not, it doesn’t matter.
knh959: I don’t know where you’ve been here exactly, but I’m really surprised. Plus, most Quebecers won’t be able to tell the difference between an American and an English Canadian. Of course, as soon as you go out of ”the walls”, things will get a little trickier but it really all depends on your attitude as a native English-speaker. If you just storm in, and start speaking English loudly, you’re definitely starting on the wrong foot. Being English Canadian, you should know how fragile our relations are…I know some of my friends who have had very bad experiences in Toronto as well.
References :
Quebec City native
Yes.. My very old high school French is rather poor but it was not a handicap for me. People were very cordial and some even friendly. Most everyone does speak English but would prefer that you speak in their language. Use what you know & practice your French as you go. You will have a great time…
References :
Yes , it is absolutely fine and ok if u want to visit Quebec city.Here is Bilinguisim , so no need of knowledge of french, mostly every where and everybody speaking english.
if u want to visit here and if u want any help for car rental service,
contact us on : info@globecar.ca
or visit our website: http://www.globecar.ca for quebec map and further information.
References :