Translator

My recommendation: save your money. Electronic translators are a big pain in the neck to use, and English is widely spoken in Strasbourg, especially at hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites. Learn a few basic courtesy phrases in French, and you'll be fine. Don't worry about your pronunciation, the French people will understand what you're trying to say.

Forget it.

Don't bother with an electronic translator. You aren't going to want to stand there and punch in a question while someone is waiting to answer you. If you are concerned about menu terms, just take a small phrase book to decipher them. You'll find that English is spoken almost everywhere, so all you will need is the polite phrases (which you should make the effort to learn).

Rick has a $8.95 handy French phrase book that's small and well designed for ease of use. Forget the electronics.

We have used an old Bookman - 5 languages for years. About the size of an iphone so it is really not inconvenient to carry. It really serves two purposes quick translation of odd menu items when we are not familiar with the word. And second, sometimes we need to know the word for something that we are looking for or asking for. We continue to carry it because we find it useful from time to time.

I recommend Pimsleur I course to learn proper pronunciation. Check you local library for this CD course.

Lisa, I agree with the others. An electronic translator would be a waste of money. While it may sound like a good idea, in reality that type of product is not practical. As someone else mentioned, the locals are probably going to be annoyed and will quickly lose patience while you're punching words into the Translator. Even if the device has perfect pronunciation, how will you deal with replies in French? The best Translator is the one sitting on top of your shoulders. You might consider using either the RS French Phrasebook, a Pimsleur course or take a night school class (that's the method I'll be using - my classes start next week). Don't expect to achieve perfect pronunciation. If the locals see that you're making an effort, you shouldn't have any problems. When will you be travelling to Strasbourg? Be sure to see the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg. BTW, I was in Strasbourg a few months ago.

I've used a pocket phrase book with some success. Using a few basic phrases in the local language is a good idea - especially "Excuse me Sir, do you speak English?" I tried an electronic translator and it was awful - it just never got me to the words I needed. When I tried to translate to English (for example from a sign or menu), the answers it produced were clearly wrong. I think I still have it but it never makes it into my bag.

Rick Steves' phrasebooks are pretty 'on' with the pronunciation; I'd recommend those. Will you sound French? No. ;-) Practice with it. Spend some time with your phrasebook before leaving home - know how to get around in it and QUICKLY find what you're searching for.

When I was planning my trip to France I signed up for a "tourist" French Language class that the University of Wisconsin's Union offered. You might want to check out and see if there is anything like it through Arizona. The class met once a week for 6-8 weeks and we all improved our pronunciation and numbers. It was the numbers that were really helpful. It also made it easier to use the phrase book. Pam

IMO understandable pronounciation of French (understandable to native speakers) is actually a bit tricky for most Anglais-speakers, compared to other languages that have pronounciation more similar to English. The Rick Steves phrase books seem to be pretty good for most languages (e.g., Italian and Spanish) - but for the reason given, with French I'd suggest you supplement Rick's French pronounciation guide by investing some time listening to native speakers. There are many inexpensive ways to do this, such as podcasts and the lower cost CD's.

Kent, I definitely agree with your point about pronunciation of French by English-speakers. In trying to learn even "basic" French, that's my biggest problem. I find Italian much easier. I was told once by a resident of Paris (who speaks five languages) that unless one is born French, they will never quite get the pronunciation perfect.

There's a big difference between an animated discussion of Voltaire and asking for 'les toilettes'. A French person is expecting a tourist to ask for 'les toilettes', and 'lay twah-leht' is perfectly fine for your needs, I assume...UNLESS you're giving - en français - a lecture in Strasbourg on Voltaire...Can't help you with THAT LOL!

Just an additional note: there really is no perfect pronunciation of French. Old movie lovers remember the very broad accent of Maurice Chevalier and the more "refined" of Louis Jourdan, both native speakers. Check out "Gigi" to see what I mean. The only thing that counts is being understood, so it doesn't matter if one sounds like an American speaking French. And no one will care.