Re: "Usefull languages"

Christophe Grandsire <christophe.grandsire@...> wrote:
>>>
He he, that's the main difference between France and other countries: in
France, you're still not expected to speak any English, as people still suppose
that you will stay in France for the rest of your life and never have to have
access to English written material or to speak English. In France, it's even
considered chic *not* to speak any English. People who speak English are
considered lower in the unspoken hierarchy that makes the French society than
people of the same background but speaking no English. I know it sounds
extremely strange, but it's true, and I've seen that a lot!
Christophe.
<<<

that's very true although i'm sure people on the list won't believe it. in
france "reasonable" people would not waste time learning a foreign language.
they would happen to practice it when studying or being seconded "outside".
speaking more than a proudly frenglish and knowing english literary or daily
trivial vocabulary is either a loony hobby or obscene show-off unless you are a
foreigner. fluent japanese is insane and i never mention it on my resume. only
secretaries and low-ranking export accountants are excused for indulging in
studying a foreign language. managers don't learn languages--they KNOW languages
from a lofty "experience internationale" (sic).
Mathias
www.geocities.com/kalatunu/index.htm