Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FSK - Strategy 2 PDF
FSK - Strategy 2 PDF
STRATEGY
THE ESSENTIAL BASIC
INTERACTIONS
To survive in French, it is essential to know how to interact in the most basic way
with your interlocutor. First of all, we must create a peaceful climate. Then you
have to be able to act on the other's speech.
Unavoidable politeness
If you want your interlocutor to be in a good mood to help you, it is absolutely
essential, and in the end obvious, to establish a peaceful climate from the
beginning through politeness. Even if you are a complete beginner at learning
French and the number of sentences you are able to pronounce is only ten, you must
absolutely say « BONJOUR ! » (Hello). With this word, you show that you arrive
with good intentions, and your interlocutor will be more willing to help you. And
when you leave him/her, finish your conversation as you started it, that is, in
politeness by saying « AU REVOIR ! » (Goodbye). It seems obvious, but you’re
never know…
Disturb politely
Your interlocutor does not expect to be disturbed. So ask him/her to forgive you in
advance for annoying him/her, apologize for bothering him/her. You don't have to
make a speech, just say « EXCUSEZ-MOI ! » (excuse me). Add if you can
« MONSIEUR » (sir) ou « MADAME » (ma’am). In fact, you are not exactly
apologizing, but you're trying to capture the attention of your interlocutor in a polite
way, which can hardly ever be denied. You can also use « PARDON
MONSIEUR/MADAME » which has more or less the same meaning. Other
possibilities if you want to immediately add an information: « Je suis désolé, mais
... » (I am sorry, but...).
#2 / 1
#2 / 2
Exercises
1. In your native language, pretend not to speak your language and go to several
stores to get some product. Use only the word « that » and point out what you want.
In the first case, do not use any of the words of politeness seen in this sheet. In the
second case, use only the translation of all the words of politeness seen in this sheet.
Analyze the reactions of sellers.
2. Re-experience exercise 1), but in a French-speaking setting, so in French. How
do sellers react?
#2 / 3