Letters: Don't expect French language testing centres to have English keyboards

To the Editor,

I have just read the letter from a lady complaining about having to take a language test on a French keyboard. 

What on earth did she expect? A French test centre is hardly likely to buy Qwerty keyboards - why should they? 

I strongly suggest that the lady concerned buy an Azerty keyboard - they are inexpensive and readily available – and practise on it. It does not take that long to adapt to the French layout. I am 78 and it did not take me more than a week or so. 

That seems common sense for someone who wants to achieve French citizenship. 

L.P., by email

To the Editor,

I work a lot with blind people so have learnt to look for solutions when disability prevents someone from doing something. 

I found a website which points out that adjustments can be made for particular physical, social or mental reasons. 

It mentions that when the candidate enrols for the exam, he or she is given the choice of sitting it on a computer or in writing. 

It would appear the choice has to be made at the exam centre, and if special provisions are necessary a request stating reasons must be made reasonably in advance.

Perhaps you could encourage your readers to inform themselves extensively before enrolling for their exams? 

E.M., by email

Read more: Learning French – vocabulary to use at the post office in France

To the Editor,

I know several people who have taken the language test for French citizenship and I don't think any of them have had to do the written part on a keyboard. 

I have personally not seen this requirement in writing.

M.J., by email

Have you taken the language test for French citizenship? Did you have to use a French 'azerty' keyboard? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com