Okay, confession time...
- Thread starter JJEH
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I could fix the last sentence by adding 1 word and a prefix... ladies undressing. That said I spent some time working with a security group in France. Some of the people I dealt with were really great. Most however did have a superior attitude and most must have thought no one but them spoke or understood the French language. They had a tendency to think we Americans were beneath them. It was always really neat to let them realize I understood French after their obnoxious derisive put downs. I too am thankful for the French help during our revolution even though it was a win for them at the time. I feel we have more than paid the bill for that help.. WW I, WW II, Cold War, Vietnam... but I am a boorish American. What do I know?
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Yea, the French really messed up in Indo China not letting go of certain colonies. Main reason ole uncle Ho went to China for help.
Had a friend ( collector/ re enactor) that went over there in early 80’s wearing a WWII US mdl. 41 field jacket with a 29 th Inf. Div. patch. He said every older french person treated him really well as they remember the 29 the at D Day.
Had a friend ( collector/ re enactor) that went over there in early 80’s wearing a WWII US mdl. 41 field jacket with a 29 th Inf. Div. patch. He said every older french person treated him really well as they remember the 29 the at D Day.
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LVSteve
Member
As an ex-pat Brit, it would be easy for me to cry "Remember Agincourt", stick up two fingers and move on. The world is not that simple.
Take the French language. It's not that difficult to learn, particularly as it has a remarkably small vocabulary. We English speakers are used to all kinds of alternate words and ways of expressing things. That's doesn't apply in many other languages, and especially French. If you are asking something of the French official apparatus and are getting "Non!" time after time, it's probably on you because you have not divined the exact French phrase that applies. They are not about to fill in the gaps on your behalf, it's just not done. French businesses these days are more pragmatic, at least places where they see more foreign visitors.
We must not forget the French contributions to firearm technology. Poudre B, the first smokeless powder, Balle D, the first spitzer bullet in widespread military use, their Model of 1917 semi-auto rifle, the first gas operated general issue rifle (limited success), the MAS 44, probably the first successful direct impingement design.
Take the French language. It's not that difficult to learn, particularly as it has a remarkably small vocabulary. We English speakers are used to all kinds of alternate words and ways of expressing things. That's doesn't apply in many other languages, and especially French. If you are asking something of the French official apparatus and are getting "Non!" time after time, it's probably on you because you have not divined the exact French phrase that applies. They are not about to fill in the gaps on your behalf, it's just not done. French businesses these days are more pragmatic, at least places where they see more foreign visitors.
We must not forget the French contributions to firearm technology. Poudre B, the first smokeless powder, Balle D, the first spitzer bullet in widespread military use, their Model of 1917 semi-auto rifle, the first gas operated general issue rifle (limited success), the MAS 44, probably the first successful direct impingement design.
The United Kingdom is our staunchest ally with the French Republic not far behind them.
I am glad we have them, warts and all.
I am glad we have them, warts and all.
I used to vacation in Quebec Province on family fishing trips over quite a few years. As a practical matter, I went back to school to try to re-learn the French I studied in junior high school. When I was up there, I did make a bona fide effort to speak the language, and I was usually understood by the locals even though my vocabulary in French (Quebecois dialect) wasn't the greatest. I was very proud of myself when a lady who only spoke French caught a huge northern pike and I asked her "Qui le cuiller utiliser vous?' (What lure did you use?) and she understood me perfectly.
Even though Quebec Province was officially French only, I never had any problem with the locals. Even though after about 3 words it was obvious I wasn't a native French speaker, I think the effort was greatly appreciated.
Even though Quebec Province was officially French only, I never had any problem with the locals. Even though after about 3 words it was obvious I wasn't a native French speaker, I think the effort was greatly appreciated.
HOUSTON RICK
Member
I audited a French Canadian factory one time and they did not know that I had known them over the phone for years. People who spoke fluent English over the phone suddenly forgot it when I arrived. until they remembered who I was.
But those big ole moles...
LVSteve
Member
Heard that game played in certain parts of Wales when you walked into a pub. Asking for the restroom in Welsh usually put an end to that nonsense.
I defy you to find a nation on earth that does not have it's faults, including our own.
The French, and in particular Monsieur Lafayette, were greatly responsible for our success at obtaining freedom from England, but it must be remembered that England was their enemy and aiding us was in fact, aiding themselves. The old "enemy of my enemy" thing. Regardless of their motives however, the end result was the formation of the greatest nation on earth.
The French, and in particular Monsieur Lafayette, were greatly responsible for our success at obtaining freedom from England, but it must be remembered that England was their enemy and aiding us was in fact, aiding themselves. The old "enemy of my enemy" thing. Regardless of their motives however, the end result was the formation of the greatest nation on earth.
The thing I like best about the French is that for the most part they stay in France and I don't go there. The reason for their arrogance is that is it is their only real skill..
But, then I am the only normal one
But, then I am the only normal one
France and Quebec differ in many ways...much to the benefit of France.
Chubbo
Member
The French
I have much the same opinion of the French, as the French have for Americans.
My candid opinion is; Both opinions are well deserved.
I tend to agree with Mark Twain’s Opinion on the matter.
Chubbo
I have much the same opinion of the French, as the French have for Americans.
My candid opinion is; Both opinions are well deserved.
I tend to agree with Mark Twain’s Opinion on the matter.
Chubbo
OP
JJEH
Member
Thank y'all for these responses, wow. I didn't want to bash the French; I was just confessing that I might have been wrong and that I'm sure glad they were there to help us, back in the American revolution.
Yes, it has been said that Louis XVI had some beef with Great Britain and saw it as an opportunity to get back at them.
I've also heard that after the American revolution, when France had another falling out with Britain, George Washington (POTUS then I think) was asked if he wanted to help France and GW said the King that helped America has no head anymore. Or something to this effect.
Crazy really. But Lafayette and G. Washington became so close like father and son. Lafayette even named one of his kids after Washington... I mean, who does that anymore?!
People were cut from a different cloth back then, they sure liked their honor (the practice of duels alone says so), they fought what they believed in and they sure were resilient.
Back in 1776, when Benjamin Franklin was asked to go to France to help negotiate a treaty, he was 70yrs old and in poor health.
He said "I have only a few years to live, and I am resolved to devote them to the work that my fellow citizens deem proper for me."
Today's politicians would probably whine and ask if they really needed to go... or if there's something in it for them.
They were devoted to the cause, that's for sure. Not all saw eye to eye but that's just what it is. That's why we need to come together and work on solutions, rather than blaming others as the reasons why things are not good. But enough with politics...
The French had their revolution too and I'm sure, in hindsight, they are proud to have done it.
Yes, it has been said that Louis XVI had some beef with Great Britain and saw it as an opportunity to get back at them.
I've also heard that after the American revolution, when France had another falling out with Britain, George Washington (POTUS then I think) was asked if he wanted to help France and GW said the King that helped America has no head anymore. Or something to this effect.
Crazy really. But Lafayette and G. Washington became so close like father and son. Lafayette even named one of his kids after Washington... I mean, who does that anymore?!
People were cut from a different cloth back then, they sure liked their honor (the practice of duels alone says so), they fought what they believed in and they sure were resilient.
Back in 1776, when Benjamin Franklin was asked to go to France to help negotiate a treaty, he was 70yrs old and in poor health.
He said "I have only a few years to live, and I am resolved to devote them to the work that my fellow citizens deem proper for me."
Today's politicians would probably whine and ask if they really needed to go... or if there's something in it for them.
They were devoted to the cause, that's for sure. Not all saw eye to eye but that's just what it is. That's why we need to come together and work on solutions, rather than blaming others as the reasons why things are not good. But enough with politics...
The French had their revolution too and I'm sure, in hindsight, they are proud to have done it.
OP
JJEH
Member
You ain't lying. I finished "Travels with George" a few days ago and then started this book's first chapter. I already love it. What a time to be alive.... you had to be "grown" and tough by age 10, otherwise you are not going to make it!
I also got a nice example of the 1975 book "Lafayette in America" by Louis Gottschalk. Limited first edition, signed, certified and evaluated.
I think that is a pretty cool find. I intend to read it, but I also want to preserve it as best as I can for generations to come.
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I do appreciate the French for what they have done for us in the past concerning their support of our revolution. We can also bow our heads to the amazing work done by our great statesman Ben Franklin in doing a magnificent sales job.
I can honestly and with the aid of 23&Me attest that I have no French ancestors but am heavily loaded with Scandinavian and Germanic lines. While stationed in Germany I developed a very common local attitude for the French being..."The French are Pigs." I only visited France briefly while working near Saarbrucken and crossed near Nancy and enjoyed myself, not finding the French much different from the Germans. In the town I was stationed there was a small French restaurant called in German "The French House" or Das französische Haus. The major difference between cuisine is that I never left a German restaurant without feeling full. The French do truly great things with simple taste, I still remember the cottage potatoes with pork medallions, as well as the roast duck. I love New Orleans for much the same reason, the food is terrific.
I do not know why but for some reason I have always found the French language to grate on my ears, unless spoken by Brigit Bardot, Catherine Deneuve or Marion Cotillard. Others usually find German a bit too guttural, to me the French are constantly clearing their throats...
I can honestly and with the aid of 23&Me attest that I have no French ancestors but am heavily loaded with Scandinavian and Germanic lines. While stationed in Germany I developed a very common local attitude for the French being..."The French are Pigs." I only visited France briefly while working near Saarbrucken and crossed near Nancy and enjoyed myself, not finding the French much different from the Germans. In the town I was stationed there was a small French restaurant called in German "The French House" or Das französische Haus. The major difference between cuisine is that I never left a German restaurant without feeling full. The French do truly great things with simple taste, I still remember the cottage potatoes with pork medallions, as well as the roast duck. I love New Orleans for much the same reason, the food is terrific.
I do not know why but for some reason I have always found the French language to grate on my ears, unless spoken by Brigit Bardot, Catherine Deneuve or Marion Cotillard. Others usually find German a bit too guttural, to me the French are constantly clearing their throats...
I took French in high school. It is a beautiful romance language. All these years later I still can't speak it very well but I am still captivated at the melodic cadence of French.
Vive La France!
Vive La France!
Even when the French women are yelling or complaining to you it sound sexy.
OP
JJEH
Member
It's only a romantic language when women are talking
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqKTEZzS4qk[/ame]
Guys, not so much
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJpaFnxwSUE[/ame]
