Embracing Paris: Writing Without Speaking French
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Chapter 1: The Struggle of Wanderlust
Many individuals find themselves in a familiar situation: a deep yearning to travel, yet feeling hesitant due to safety concerns. To help quench this desire, I’d like to share insights from my book, A Writer’s Paris. These reflections not only satisfy your wanderlust but also impart valuable lessons for writers and creatives. They also tie in with themes from my recent work, Redesign Your Mind, which offers fresh perspectives on the creative journey.
How can you convince yourself to forgo a trip to Paris? You might begin by calculating expenses, envisioning a dreary, rainy day on the Champs-Elysées, or arguing that if you can't write comfortably in your own space, you won't be productive in a tiny Parisian apartment. You may also worry about how your loved ones and pets will cope in your absence. Once you start listing these concerns, they can quickly multiply.
One prominent reason that might deter you from visiting Paris is the belief that you don’t speak French. However, consider this: how much French will you truly require? While you may need substantial knowledge to translate something intricate like Finnegans Wake, you need very little to order a simple coffee or to write in English. Remember, your purpose in Paris isn't to enroll in a language course; it’s to immerse yourself in writing.
For nearly all your needs, you can simply point and say, “Un comme ça” (“One of those”). This phrase works for various items, from croissants to umbrellas, and even for more intimate requests. Beyond that, knowing how to ask “Combien?” (“How much?”), some basic numbers, and “Je suis désolée!” (“I am truly sorry!”) is more than sufficient. A small French-English translator could be handy, as well as a slang dictionary. That’s more than enough!
If you avoid emergencies and manage your accommodations with English-speaking ads, you can navigate your stay with minimal verbal communication. Spend time exploring a Monoprix (a popular French supermarket), where you can discover countless yogurt varieties, select chocolate mousse, and master the art of self-service for fruits and vegetables—all without uttering a word. Just guide your cart to checkout, watch the register, and pay the total.
I recall one line from a Verlaine poem: “Il pleure dans mon coeur comme il pleut sur la ville,” which translates roughly as “It cries in my heart like it rains on the city.” This sentiment has never been particularly useful in my daily life. I can also belt out parts of La Marseillaise without fully grasping the meaning, and I know enough French to order a couple of coffees. This limited knowledge has kept me content in Paris for weeks. In fact, I’ve appeared so at ease that French tourists often approach me for directions. A simple shrug and “Je ne parle pas français” suffices in these moments. Interestingly, Americans who are proficient in French often struggle to appreciate Paris and its locals. I embrace my language shortcomings.
Yet, it’s essential to acknowledge that my language skills are indeed lacking. At one point, I thought I could find affordable living in Paris when I spotted ads for significantly cheaper apartments. This excitement fueled my desire to write this piece. It was only later that I realized these listings were for garage rentals. Did I feel foolish? Absolutely. Did it deter me? Not in the slightest.
If you require personal services, ordering them might present challenges. You could find yourself in a taxi headed to the wrong destination—a Museum of Poison instead of the House of Fish (Maison des Poissons). Writing down your requests, even if they’re in broken French, may assist you. Alternatively, take the time to seek out English-speaking locals. My daughter, Kira, dedicated time to find an English-speaking hairstylist, eventually succeeding after listening at beauty salons. Her patience paid off, and she considered the haircut a complete win.
Despite taking several years of French in school, my efforts proved fruitless. The only memorable moments from those classes involved a fascination with fountain pens and accidentally spilling ink on my French reader. In high school, my teacher favored humor over instruction, and by college, I managed to fail French spectacularly. My solid F was substantial enough to construct a skyscraper. None of this has prevented me from writing in Paris!
If writing in Berlin or any other city calls to you, don’t let language barriers stand in your way. Whether you aspire to write in Budapest, Seville, or Rome, pursue your passion. Consider taking a language course if it’s important to you, but remember: your aim is to write, not to engage in conversations. Track how often you truly interact with bus drivers or local vendors; the number is likely minimal. Instead, focus on memorizing “Un comme ça, s’il vous plaît” and start preparing for your adventure.
There will always be excuses to avoid writing. They appear as frequently as mushrooms after rain. Entertaining these justifications, even momentarily, leads to a lack of creativity. Write, even amid doubts, distractions, or personal challenges. Come to Paris, even if you’re not fluent in French.
Here’s a helpful video that demonstrates how to say "I don't speak French" in French, which can be invaluable when you find yourself in Paris.
Additionally, this video explores living in France without the ability to speak French, offering practical tips and insights.