My French is not so good - but that is fine

To the Editor,

I studied French at school; and Italian, German and Latin. Not much has stuck after 50 years.

I have lived in France for six years but my French is still basic. Part of the reason is isolation: I live alone in a small village, my multilingual wife having passed away some years ago. 

I have been offered subsidised French lessons and have French neighbours, so my excuses are somewhat limited.

But there are advantages to not knowing the language beyond the basics. When at a café there are conversations all around. If I try hard I can get the gist of a lot of what is being said, but if I don't try the result is mouth music. 

This means the background noise contains none of the mediocrity of most conversations, no having to hear that so-and-so is having trouble with their kids, etc. I can concentrate on my book, or my coffee.

On the rare occasions that an English couple sit within earshot the conversation is jarring and disruptive; try as I might I cannot help but be a silent part of their conversation.

Read more: French translations can be delightful... when done wrong

I have learned the niceties of French politeness. It is uplifting and I enjoy being part of it. 

Some language discussions are fun, too. I asked my neighbour what the French for 'cheap' was, and he was stumped. I have learned that everything seems to be called a baguette, so much so that I use it with my neighbour for any noun I don't know.

More than anything else, not being fluent lets me know daily that I am truly in a foreign country, something that keeps me excited and happy. 

Only once has somebody berated me for not learning the language, but pointing out that I am a New Zealander usually helps.

M.H., by email

How long did it take for you to be comfortable when speaking everyday French? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com