cherson@nonode.DEC (David Cherson WOO/D89 236-2229) (11/26/85)
I'd like to add my two centimes into this discussion re: Paris. I am an American, but an American that does speak more than one language. For years I scrupulously avoided France whenever I was in Europe. Unfortunately, I have never become fully fluent in the French language, so I suppose although I've considered myself worldly, I was still influenced by the "stay away from Paris" propaganda. I finally did get to Paris a few years ago as part of my honeymoon, and to my surprise I had a great time. As I said I'm not fluent in French but I found that if I at least made an effort people would appreciate that, instead of approaching someone and "assaulting" him/her in English. My grudges against France and the French have nothing to do at all with language, rather the national capitulation, and in some cases, cooperation with the Nazis during WWII. Yes, not many restaurants here in the states are equipped with bi-linquil menus. Americans as a people are not very adapt at languages other than English, but you must remember that one does not have to speak French when you cross the border between Mass. and New Hampshire. I'd like to know what the percentage is of Anglo-Canadians who are capable of speaking French. I do know that in most of Canada the Anglo population is rather hostile to French even though bi-liquilism is mandated by law. One last word about Americans and Americans abroad, yes some of them are rather arrogant, etc. But I've found that a sizeable amount of them are respectful and understanding of other countries and cultures. I think that the ugly American rap is a bit bloated out of proportion and worn with the years. I've met "ugly" Canadians, Germans, French also in my travels. David Cherson