Speak and smile for best results

I was delighted to read the article in the May edition of The Connexion by Nick Inman entitled “Make life easy on yourself when learning a language”. Before I retired, my work took me all over the world and I often found myself the only English speaking person in a factory/office.

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After a few days I found important social words embedded in my vocabulary and these increased day by day until I was able to socialise with the locals in the works cafeteria or the local bar.

I have now retired and have lived in France since 2005. My wife and I have integrated and have many French friends. I find my approach to language has served me in good stead. My wife understands the laws of grammar and phrases her speech carefully, while I continue to address our friends and neighbours in a manner that would do credit to Officer Crabtree in Allo! Allo!. Between us, my wife and I communicate on all levels from the heights of French bureaucracy to social interaction with our friends.

So I would like to say a big thank you for the article, it has put into words in a far clearer way than I have been able to express,
that if you struggle with the laws of grammar, listen, smile and enjoy the opportunities. Good people will understand and appreciate your efforts.

Alex PRETTE, Seine-Maritime

ALEX PRETTE wins the Connexion letter of the month and a copy of the Connexion Puzzle Book.

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