French classes

Ummmmmmmmm !!!!!  I might tread on a few toes here, but what the heck, Ive done that all my life.

I am now 71 years old, moved to France when I retired at 65, my comprehension of the French language was, at best --- non existant, and at worst --- even more non-existant than at best.

I did try  French lessons at first,(they lasted two session), why so --- because I want to speak with French people, I don't want to learn --masculine ---Feminine ----  familiar --- formal -----  row upon row of verbs --past present  and future. As a kid I was terrible at school and have no wish to re-live that dream.

My advice, ------ jump in at the deep end ------pick a few things up on the free internet French sites --then go for it.

Don't ask -- "Do you speak English" -- their hackles will rise  and they will be very cool towards you.

Learn this -----  "Veuillez excuser, mais mon français est terrible" ---- (( Please excuse me  but my French is Terrible)). The French people warm to those TRYING to speak the language.

One more tip,  If you specifically want to ask a question --- go on GOOGLE -BINGs --- translation services, type in English what you want to say  and commit to memory the translation.

Having been here four years now i am by no means fluent, but I am not frightened to jump in at the deep end now.