Learning French?
 

Hello there:eek3:

I am going to drive to Gambia with my car from West Europe. Most countries on my route are francophone. Is it necessary to speak a good word of French? At this moment I don't speak a word of that language.

Thanks for any reply,:thumbup1: :euro:

It depends! If you will just rush thru those countries, and dont want to be involved in any kind of communication, then you can cope with some English and body language.
But it is way more interesting to understand at least something locals say.
And it will be more appreciated if you learn greetings or so in local languages as well.
When I went down for first time I also didnt understood a single word, after that I decided I need to learn french...
Have fun!

Last time I did this route I made do with about 50 words of half remembered schoolboy french. I survived but it would have been a lot more pleasant had I put as much effort into learning french as I put into bike preparation.
Spending the night with a Moroccan family and being unable to talk to them, trying to get the bike repaired in Nouhadibou (and Atar and St Louis) and even being unable to buy a bottle of milk in Dakhla all convinced me that learning some of the language was essential.
There was a thread some time ago about the best way to learn a new language but as a minimum I'd suggest something like the Michel Thomas 2hr introductory course which is only about £20.00

Here is the way to learn a language if you are limited in time
 

Buy some Learning language CDs and listen to them while travelling.

At home it is difficult to be motivated. But once on the road, you'll have people everywhere around you to practice with.

Then when you'll start dreaming during your sleep in another language. Congratulate yourself! You may now start to learn another language !!!

Patrick

I can highly recomend the Michel Thomas CDs. He has a rather unorthodox method of putting things across, but it is really effective at picking up phrases in a short space of time.

Definitely take some time to learn at least some basics: numbers, dates, language for buying in a market, restaurant, hotel, etc.

Another vote for Michel Thomas. I have the full eight hour course plus the four hour advanced course on my iPod. And as Patrick writes, you are more motivated when you are actually in the country.

One of the most useful phrases is 'Pour allez ...?' which I tend to adapt to almost every circumstance.

Which road to Tanger? Pour allez Tanger?
Is there a hotel here? Pour allez hotel?
How do I get off these tracks? Pour allez goudroné? (tarmac)

Tim

Of course you should learn French!

I got a U (unclassified - or useless!) in my french o'level but still managed to communicate reasonably well on the same route as you the times I have done it. sometimes though it helps to play the stupid englishman waving your arms about and speaking louder (eg, when pulled up for some erroneous traffic offence!) Even if I spoke the language well I would avoid letting on in some cases.
Ultimately if someone wants to communicate with you, and vice versa, you can manage suprisingly well. English is spoken in many of the tourist areas but I would avoid those as you also get more hassle. On most borders a smattering of french will help. also take a phrase book or dictionary for when you really get stuck, although I have never had to use mine.

Are you travelling with the PDC, now known as the banjul challenge I think. if not are you aware of restrictions on right hand drive vehicles going in to Gambia? not a problem if you are on a bike obviously, but definately if you are in a car.
check out
eBay.co.uk Shop - Captain Moggy's Surplus Store: Books: Me, dad, and the Plymouth to Dakar new book
for my book on doing this route in a beaten up pink suzuki SJ on the PDC

Andy

Thanks you guys. I will definately need to learn French. My main reason is the experience the Africans. And what is better then speaking the same language. It will be tough to learn though. But I will give it a try. I got some basic French in school but I all lost that. I think I have my French schoolbooks somewhere. Anyways, cheers!!!

In muslim areas a 'salam alecum' said as a greeting often goes down well, shows your a bit more interested in their culture. you have to get it in first though, if he says a greeting first the reponse is different. I can't remember what it is but I am sure someone here will know, I think it is just the reverse, i.e. alecum salam', but I could be very wrong on that!

Andy

1990 H60 TLC
land rover 101 ambie
eBay UK Shop - Captain Moggy's Surplus Store: The QM's Store -miscellaneous, QM's Store -military Trousers

Kaput!

Errr Benzenee ? Gas?

This is highly questionable advice - don't play the "stupid Englishman" if you're not English (or stupid). Some travellers hide the fact that they're English, such is the poor reputation of a minority of them for shouting (or "speaking louder") at people, as if the Empire still existed; to say nothing of poodle Blair's illegal war in Iraq. One English bloke I know still refers to Asians as "coolies". He should be dangled from his dangly bits. Avoid this fate.

If you speak some French, you can use that asset to AVOID hassles, as I have done in France when caught in minor infringements by the police, e.g. crossing the double white line. They like to hear anglophones speaking their language -and why not? French is a real asset in Africa too.

French is a world language. Enough said.

And please dont, as Moggy suggests, say "a salaam o alaikum " in a French speaking country, as these words are Arabic!

To get to Gambia from West Europe you would possibly cross:

Morocco: religion, Islam (98%), official language: Arabic
Western Sahara: religion - Islam, language: Arabic
Mauritania: religion - Islam (c. 100%), official language: Arabic
Senegal: religion - Islam (94%)

Perhaps even Algeria: religion - Islam (99%), official language: Arabic
or Mali: religion - Islam (90%)

I would think “as salam alaikum” would be a very nice thing to say in those countries, just as it might be in Paris or Marseille when meeting and greeting Muslims.
Stephan

?
 

Stephano

Would you say "salaam" in London? The first post enquired about FRENCH not Arabic. FRENCH not Arabic!

:confused1: The first post by chapati said he was driving to Gambia from Western Europe, so it would be logical to assume he was going via Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. All 'French speaking' countries but it would also be quite appropriate to use the phrase in question.
I think Moggy's advice is quite sound :thumbup1:

Don't want to get embroiled in an argument but I must admit as a fluent French speaker, whenever I'm in Morocco, Mauritania etc I do use the odd Arabic phrase that I know, including I'm ashamed to say 'hamar' - donkey which is the biggest insult going but only ever used once with a despicable character in Morocco.

If I'm at home in France, I rarely use Arabic (got a couple of Moroccan friends) that seems logical to me. But as someone else mentioned the French like to hear spoken French, as in Morocco, they appreciate a bit of Arabic.

When in Rome ... but French will be easier to learn I'd think!

Kira

It couldnt be clearer - the question was about French. Not Arabic. That means
French, not Arabic. I suggest you reread the post and realise the guy was asking about French, not Arabic.

French, not Arabic. He asked about learning French and someone suggested that he speak Arabic. Can you understand that? Please?

Repeat after me - French, not Arabic.......yes? well done!!!!

Geez, someone needs to switch to decaf.

hahaha....I am travelling from the Netherlands. I think it saves a lot of hassle when speaking French. Can anybody tell me about corruption level at the diffent border crossings. I have calculated corruption into my budget (like 150€, but I am a newbie as my status is at the moment on this website as well). It will be Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Marocco, (western sahara), Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, Gambia.

I think some Arabic is fine but French seems a little easier. In Marocco people speak Arabic but that is the Marrocan dialect and not standard Arabic (which is different). Salam Aleykum is understood though. I am not in any rally or challenge. I don't have a moneytree or something in my garden.

Thanks guys....

As for a bribery budget - please DON'T give anything. Holding your ground and politely but firmly saying 'NO' will work.

If you give money it makes it harder for the rest of us who might be following behind you. I have successfully crossed those & other borders in W.Africa without losing a cent to corrupt officials.

Kira

You are actually the first one I heard about this. Because at the end they all want a "present". Or did u wait like six hours at every border crossing. I never did the journey before so I only have some knowledge when it comes to different sources on the net and books. If it is what you say, I am very glad.

Good idea! What brand will you use?

espece de cornichon! and good roads!

Mr Clarke - what an unnecessary contribution. Please chill out will you?

Is it true, that in Mauritania, pastis (like Ricard but then a local brew) is only 2€ per bottle (0,7 ltr). Its probably terrible to drink with warm water but atleast its something at the end of a days driving:D

No need whatsoever to bribe, unless your documents are less than complete or you need a special service. Be friendly and say no, you won't have to wait any longer than anyone else. It's better for the rest of us and long term it's better for the country you're driving through.

Senegal (I hear) might be a special case.

Senegal is indeed the worst bordercrossing (that's what me is told). Especially the bordercrossing near Rosso. Do you think there is a difference between motorcycle and passenger car in this regard? would a border attendant ask a bribe to someone in a car quicker then a motorcycle driver? I really heard that many cardrivers on this route had to pay bribes in order to pass the border. I hope I am wrong. Because if it happens I would not wait several hours with nasty border attandents, I would pay!

Senegal is bad & has a reputation. Two things to point out though:

1. President Wade has just re-won the elections; he did realise the problem of not allowing cars more than 5 years old through/into Senegal. According to a Spanish guy I know who's got a 25yr old Unimog he's going to be more lenient on this law - so watch this space!

2. Don't use the Rosso border crossing; it gets worse every year.

3. Chapati - yes I was VERY serious about not giving any cadeaux - it does lead to problems for others and could lead into problems for you. You'll also find in W.Africa there are a lot of police road-blocks - if you start giving out at one then you'll find yourself very poor at the end of the trip!

Kira

abusive
 

For those of us that do speak French, Caminando's last post is both offensive and uncalled for and hopefully the moderator of this thread will find an online translation and take this and other posts off. Seems a little unnecessary to use that kind of language on the forum. We are all trying to do the same thing at the end of the day which is to travel to wonderful and interesting places.

Caminando, don't be a Sissy
 

You were afraid to tell "**** You or **** Off" (pick the one you like) to brclarke in english. You wrote it in french so he would not understand and then added "Good roads" after that to kind of hide the previous comment.

Wow, you look like a though guy !!!

Patrick

Pick the one that suits you!, kartofflen kopf!
Actually you have a dirty mind. I dont.

Tot siens!


And - Good roads! You naughty boy! Please try not to be rude and confrontational. It's not necessary.

(no French there, is there?)

"Wow! " (LOL)

PS I'm not at all afraid. Why do you try to provoke? XXXXX!!!Love ya anyway! Cheer up!

Vive le Quebec libre!

Dear Jones

I referred to people who will not help a person (Chapatti) by talking about something totally different. He asked if should he learn French and some bewildered person told him to learn Arabic.

I resent silly comments from other people who only wish to provoke. You are one of those, I think. Your post is rude, aggressive , and confrontational. I will not respond in like manner to your unwelcome post, though your unasked for intervention is unwelcome. If you cant be polite then dont post to me please. Thanks.
I hope the moderator notes your provocation and acts on it. If you had politely asked me for a translation I would have given you it. Now you can do it yourself. You will find that your unpleasantness is unfounded. Empty vessels etc....

Please dont try to provoke any more, or be rude. I wont answer you.

Hi Chapatti, you wont be asked for any bribe in Europe, and highly unlikely in Morocco. Have a great trip, have fun!!!!

Caminando
 

One way ticket to Barking, if you know what I mean....

'nuff said.

wow....hahahaha....I asked a question:rofl: ....

why are u guys fighting:funmeterno: .

Look about how great these smileys and things are:D .

Maybe you guys should hit the road somewhere soon:mchappy:

I actually liked it and thanks for all help for now:wheelchair: :wheelchair:

Cheers...:rockon:

Yes sure...in Europe there are not really bordercrossings. I am more worried about the bordercrossing into Mauritania, Mali and Senegal but I understood that I should not give anything, so I won't. Saves a lot..:thumbup1:

Yes one day I want to bike down there so let us know what hassles you found and pass them on. Best wishes!!

Youre right, when I tried to ask these people to answer your question they went bonkers. Its obvious they cant stick to the point and would be very unreliable to travel with. They would be a liability and childish into the bargain. Dont listen to these people - it would be disaster!!! Theyre the kind of traveller you would plan to leave behind "by accident".....tiptoeing away at dawn etc!!

Best wishes!

thanks! but I didn't find any offensive things from anyone. So I have no problem.

Cheers:funmeteryes:

All is said and done.
 

Hi Chapati,

Sorry for the chaotic respons, but I guess your questions are awnsered and even beter, you have some extra advice.

Enjoy your trip.
Maarten