As a Brit, is it possible to live in France without speaking French? Of course; there is no language test (yet) for immigrants, particularly if they originate from another EU country. The debate rather takes another direction - should a Brit speak 'passable' French in order to live here? A genuine gallic shrug, beautifully illustrated here, probably isn't reproducible by a Brit but should we at least try to get our mouths moving a little more?
In my opinion, living in a foreign country is more or less 'comfortable' according to the stance of the host nation. This in itself has a number of levels - the laws of the State at the top and the attitude of your immediate neighbours at the bottom.
Most Brits living here seem to find few problems, even with a limited command of the language. Some of us struggle a little with our consciences, knowing we should do better, but find the idea of learning a foreign language (at the time when we prefer to indulge in our favourite pastimes) a pain in the bum and put the whole thing on the back burner.
The 'anglo-saxon attitude' - see the illustration here (gleaned from Google Images when I entered that phrase), probably doesn't exist anymore, at least among those who have genuinely made the permanent move to France.
On the other hand it has been replaced by a ready and grateful acceptance of the tolerance of our host-cousins to put up with our linguistic stumblings. In fact, I would be happy to say "chapeau" ('hats off') to the French for a smooth ride in this respect.
There's a message here also for us Brits living in France - an understanding of the French language to any degree will lead to a richer life. To be able to reply to a jocular remark with an appropriate riposte is an achievement. To do the reverse gives great satisfaction and means you'll feel truly 'at home'.
Mapmaker
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