FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

I was saddened to hear of the death of Polly Platt. Reading her books transformed my experience of France.

When I first read "French or Foe", I'd already been to France five or six times, and I spoke French pretty well. But the book opened my eyes to the differences between French and American social interactions that I had never managed to observe myself, and following her advice changed my experience of France. Now, when I politely greet shopkeepers upon entering their shops ("Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame"), instead of just walking in silently as I had often done previously, I frequently end up in an interesting conversation, instead of receiving silence in return.

Not long ago, in my typical American hurry, I walked up to a gendarme in Paris, and forgetting the manners Polly's books had taught me, I simply launched directly into my question. He looked me in the eye, and said, "Bonjour, Monsieur".

Ah, yes. Even with a toll taker on the autoroute, I now say,

- Bonjour, Monsieur.
-- Bonjour, Monsieur.
(I hand him the toll)
-- Merci, Monsieur.
- Au revoir, Monsieur.
-- Au revoir, Monsieur. Bonne journée

To Polly Platt, merci.
Adieu, Madame.

As a high school French teacher, I always recommended Mme Platt's books to my students, especially the ones who planned to study in France. I had the good fortune to hear her as the keynote speaker at the AATF conference in St. Louis some years ago. Such warmth, insight, enthusiasm and humor!
Taking her advice about the "five magic words", I found that they were truly magical. I was in the gift shop of Les Invalides and bought a couple of china plates. We were visiting our son for a long weekend while he was studying in Paris, so had very small carry-on suitcases. I needed a box to carry the plates on the plane. I used the magic words when I saw that the vendeuse was putting the plates in a bag with just a little paper around them. I asked her if she had a box and she said that no, that was not possible. Mme Platt also recommended that it is good psychology to put yourself at their mercy, to explain how you need their help. I did this and the vendeuse immediately found a box, used very strong tape to wrap the box and also created a rope handle for the box-above and beyond what I had requested. All done with a great deal of kindness.
Merci infiniment and adieu, Mme Platt

I feel as though I just lost a friend. Polly Platt's books were my first links to French culture from an American's point of view. And you, dear Kristin, have taken over where she left off. I would not miss your books nor your blog. Merci for Polly Platt, and merci for Kristin Espinasse. Jeanette

Polly Platt has left a wonderful legacy. Her writing and thoughtful insights have opened many eyes and created connections. May we all do as much good in the world as she has done.
Her little magic phrase " Pardon, j'ai un problème." is oh so useful. I also have proof that it works. Back when DVD's first came out, I bought one at a FNAC in France, not knowing that Europe had Region 2 and the USA Region 1. (not-compatible) They assured me at the store there would be no problem. A full year later, back in France with my students, with my receipt, I and the magic phrase and the DVD which wouldn't work in the Region 1 player were back in the FNAC. They refunded my 34 euros, to the amazement of all my French friends. Of course, I spent a lot more before I left, I was so happy to get my money back! Pas fous, ces français! Yes, I will always remember Polly Platt! Une vieille dame de NY. :-)

Thanks for sharing this with us franco-philes Kristin. I am very sorry to hear that we have lost our dear Polly Platt. I practically lived off her book Savoir Flair! the first time I did study abroad in Paris. Her books helped me to understand French culture and helped me to learn how to fit in. Her books, and my French accent picked up from my wonderful Parisian French professor, really helped me to survive life in France. I am planning on using her books as a reading assignment in my future classroom as a high school French teacher because of the valuable lessons my students will learn from her. We as lovers of all things French must carry on her legacy.

Thanks for sharing with us about Polly Platt. Unlike most commenters here, I haven't read anything by Ms. Platt, but now look forward to doing so!

When my husband's company sent us to live in France, Paris was a temporary home for several months. For this southern gal living in that beautiful city was the most exciting thing I'd ever done. I fell in love. Polly Platt's "French or Foe" became my bible and I did my best to follow her rules. But, "no smiling" was très difficile. Everyday I would walk along the Seine, my face simply wreathed in smiles, until I saw someone approaching. Then the smiles would disappear and I would try to be the personification of my idea of a chic Frenchwoman. After they had passed on by my face once again burst into smiles, like southern sunshine...along with a few dance steps. It was so hard to contain my happiness; a feeling I never lost while living in ma belle France.
The rule about properly greeting someone, I actually liked and rarely failed to apply. One day it was aptly reinforced during a frantic search in the Carrousel du Louvre for la toilet. Concentrating upon the task at hand I forgot the greeting and blurted out my request to the young man behind the counter. He responded politely, then ended our conversation, smirking, with, "Bonjour to you too."
Merci Polly et merci Kristin.

I must have been really out of the loop, because I don't think I had heard of Ms Platt when I came to France. This is too bad, because reading what everyone else has written, all I can think is of all the time reading her books would have saved me!! Instead I had to spend the better part of a few years figuring it all out on my own... Dommage!

I am going to miss Polly terribly. She was not only a good friend, but taught me so much. I am so glad we will have her joyful books to remember her by.