Better than the USA?

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by PorscheGAL

When it comes to education:

Foreign languages

In most countries they make a real effort for their students to learn a foreign language, usually English. Here we give kids a couple hours a week and call it a day.

3 years of French for me in HS and college. First time in Paris, I told the cab driver the address. He put the car in park, turned around in the seat and said in English "Never speak French again. Your accent is terrible." I can't help it, this Ellie Mae comes out no matter what, lol.

Because of that, I started paying a Mandarin Tutor for my son at 5 years old. At 21, he can speak, read and write pretty well to have conversations with his friends from Beijing.

That's the problem with the French and the French speaking in Canada. The fact that you tried should be given some respect, even if they correct you.

We don't do that to them. As a result I would never travel in Quebec. I don't do attitude when spending money.

[Tervuren]

I'm not sure the exact name of it.
But France has some form of "Ministry of Language".
When a new invention comes out, they come up with a French word for it.

It's very different from the English that habble dabble words from most every language that exists.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Most countries will have something on offer that's better than the USA and it doesn't relate to how poor or wealthy a country is

You just have to dig a bit deeper then reading a few headlines in the press and go and look for yourself

Seen enough of this world to know there is not one country that offers the best of everything

[oldE]

Regarding the French language and people: 5 centuries ago, French was the language of the royal courts of Europe. The aristocracy from almost all countries in the region spoke it, hence "lingua franca".
When English eclipsed it as the international business language, the reaction was to jealously protect what they had.
Milt, my wife and I traveled in both Quebec and France. Our experience was typically we would attempt to converse in French, but the person at the cash or the server would seamlessly switch to English at some point. My wife speaks more fluently than I, but I was pleased with how much I could understand while in France. Conversely I have never been able to understand more than a word or two of the Acadian french spoken within 60 miles of my home.
I think there are good things which can be learned from almost every culture. When you think you know it all, it's a sign you've stopped learning.

Best
Les

[pwd72s]

It was interesting watching Evren's Children when they were here for a visit...Turkish, French, or English with ease...when the youngest had trouble with one word, an older would say the word in another language, and then understanding.

But then..Europeans NEED to be multi lingual. We have states larger than most European countries, and we stay home for the most part. My high school Spanish is sort of like algebra...don't use it much.

Today? Our children in Govt. schools are being taught that socialism is a pretty good idea more than math, science, or language.

So, does this mean Venezuela is a better country than the USA?

(edit) When it comes to beyond grade school, Evren & Ruki send their children to a private school right here in the USA...Exeter Academy. Yes, money does give a better window of opportunity...and a better education.

[tabs]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

It was interesting watching Evren's Children when they were here for a visit...Turkish, French, or English with ease...when the youngest had trouble with one word, an older would say the word in another language, and then understanding.

But then..Europeans NEED to be multi lingual. We have states larger than most European countries, and we stay home for the most part. My high school Spanish is sort of like algebra...don't use it much.

Today? Our children in Govt. schools are being taught that socialism is a pretty good idea more than math, science, or language.

So, does this mean Venezuela is a better country than the USA?

We are catching up to Venezuela.

[tabs]

Originally Posted by L8Brakr

A small example-

When I lived in Germany the process to get a driver's license is something we could learn from. It took a few months of weekly classes, a number of hours behind the wheel with a certified instructor, who doesn't hesitate to fail bad drivers and require more training (not a drivers ed teacher type of instructor).....at a cost of several hundred bucks, or more. And passing a substantial written test. While inaccurate to say is was similar to a private pilot license, it was probably more in line with getting a sail plane permit....

The resulting driving patterns you see in Germany are a refreshing dose of sanity compared to here.

Half of America couldnt pass the course.

[Bill Douglas]

If I could live anywhere. Magically become a local and speak the language. I'd live in Spain. Not Madrid but one of those seaside towns like San Sebastian where people don't take life so seriously and the food and t its are excellent.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

If I could live anywhere. Magically become a local and speak the language. I'd live in Spain. Not Madrid but one of those seaside towns like San Sebastian where people don't take life so seriously and the food and t its are excellent.

I'd like to try Rimini, Italy.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by tabs

We are catching up to Venezuela.

Yep. They seem to be pushing hard & fast to accomplish it...

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

If I could live anywhere. Magically become a local and speak the language. I'd live in Spain. Not Madrid but one of those seaside towns like San Sebastian where people don't take life so seriously and the food and t its are excellent.

If cost of living is a consideration, I’d suggest Portugal. In the Algarve regIon on the southern coast, you wouldn’t even need to know the language.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by wilnj

If cost of living is a consideration, I’d suggest Portugal. In the Algarve regIon on the southern coast, you wouldn’t even need to know the language.

Which is fortunate because Portuguese is tough tough tough to learn.

[brshap]

Originally Posted by Zeke

That's the problem with the French and the French speaking in Canada. The fact that you tried should be given some respect, even if they correct you.

We don't do that to them. As a result I would never travel in Quebec. I don't do attitude when spending money.

This is far from the norm in France (can't speak for Quebec). The French by and large really appreciate foreigners attempting to speak the language and will very graciously reply in English if they realize you are not a comfortable French speaker.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by brshap

This is far from the norm in France (can't speak for Quebec). The French by and large really appreciate foreigners attempting to speak the language and will very graciously reply in English if they realize you are not a comfortable French speaker.

Can’t speak for France but that was my experience in Quebec. A couple of greetings are simple enough for anyone to master. Carry on in English from there.

[Tervuren]

One for the funny bin.
I like the /in-other-news/ in the URL.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/260919/ktaka-organisation-calls-feminism-cancer-performs-puja-to-eradicat.html

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by wilnj

Can’t speak for France but that was my experience in Quebec. A couple of greetings are simple enough for anyone to master. Carry on in English from there.

Mine too but only in Quebec. Toronto and Montreal no problem at all.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by oldE

Regarding the French language and people: 5 centuries ago, French was the language of the royal courts of Europe. The aristocracy from almost all countries in the region spoke it, hence "lingua franca".
When English eclipsed it as the international business language, the reaction was to jealously protect what they had.
Milt, my wife and I traveled in both Quebec and France. Our experience was typically we would attempt to converse in French, but the person at the cash or the server would seamlessly switch to English at some point. My wife speaks more fluently than I, but I was pleased with how much I could understand while in France. Conversely I have never been able to understand more than a word or two of the Acadian french spoken within 60 miles of my home.
I think there are good things which can be learned from almost every culture. When you think you know it all, it's a sign you've stopped learning.

Best
Les

Agree. Was that pertaining to this thread? About French?

Originally Posted by brshap

This is far from the norm in France (can't speak for Quebec). The French by and large really appreciate foreigners attempting to speak the language and will very graciously reply in English if they realize you are not a comfortable French speaker.

Far from what I hear from travelers. But my understanding is that either dead center in a major city or far into the countryside things are much more congenial, for different reasons.

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Mine too but only in Quebec. Toronto and Montreal no problem at all.

Been to Montreal. There is definitely a divide there. It may be subtle in most places of business.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

How to prevent entitlement mentality

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

I wish our children were safe enough to travel the way the Japanese children do.

Just a guess, but the US is probably the least safe country as compared with all other developed Western countries. I think Japan is safer for everyone than all other Western countries. By a lot.

I know from researching Germany, German expats feel less safe in the US than at home.

[pwd72s]

In a move to get back on topic...here's a pair of performers countering a Beatles son about the USSR...damn, I'm glad this is still on you tune...can't hear either one today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWTKxIjZmfs