Ashley
Marketing, International Business Major

Five Most Important Phrases To Know in Guadeloupe

1. "Bonjour/Bonsoir" ~ "Good Morning/Good Evening"
   
   Like many of the Antilles, Guadeloupe is known for its friendly atmosphere. Whether you are a local or a slightly overwhelmed Whitworth student, it is customary as well as polite to greet the people you pass on the streets. Although I sometimes feel like a broken record with my constant string of "Good Mornings" and "Good Evenings," I find a simple "hello" and a smile can do wonders in this francophone society and at times can earn you free fruit from the vendors or a lower price on your henna tattoo.
   
   
2. "Je ne comprends pas" & "Je suis americaine" ~ "I don't understand" & "I am American"
   
   These two phrases I feel can be used interchangeably. On any language study program one is undoubtedly going to be confused at times. For myself, this is more often than not. I recommend these phrases not as excuses, but rather as a point from which to practice/cultivate your French skills: People here are generally very patient and excited to help you learn whether through gestures or "Franglish" and it is my experience that these encounters are both amusing as well as educational.
   
   
3. "Combien est le prix?" ~ "How much is the price?"
   
   One of my favorite spots in Guadeloupe is the open-air market. This phrase comes in handy whether shopping for fruit, sandals, or paintings. Another phrase I mutter a lot is "Je deteste le Euro." Any American who is traveling around Europe right now knows what I am talking about.
   
   
4. "Qu'est-ce que c'est?" ~ "What is this?
   
   This phrase is useful in many different situations, but I use it commonly at the dinner table. So far I have eaten a variety of fish, octopus, chicken, and beef, all of which were excellent, but I do know students who have dined on goat and horse. Be advised, sometimes it is better to be blissfully unaware.
   
   
5. "Merci" ~ "Thank You"
   
   While staying in Guadeloupe you will find many things to be thankful for. As I near the end of my trip, I am becoming more and more aware of this. Use this phrase freely and sincerely. I am extremely thankful for the past three weeks that I have spent on the beautiful Island of Guadeloupe.

Honorable Mentions

• Où est le Aloe Vera? ~ Where is the Aloe Vera?
• Oui, j'aime manger le salsa, mais je ne peux pas danser ~ Yes, I love to eat salsa, but I am not able to dance.
• Voici mon cockroach*, Herby ~ Here is my cockroach, Herby
• Lassez-moi seule, je vais téléphoner mon petit ami ~ Leave me alone, I'm going to call my boyfriend.
• Ou sont tous les maillots de bains? ~ Where are all the bathing suits?
• Je veux tuer le rooster* ~ I want to kill the rooster

*these are not the actual French words

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