The trick is to engage them in the formal ritual of French politeness be sure to say bonjour (good day), merci (thank you) and au revoir (goodbye).

ECONOMIST: Business travel

"Her tracheotomy tube was removed, and, putting a finger over the tracheotomy canal, her first word was 'merci, '" said Dr. Bernard Devauchelle, one of the many surgeons who carried out the surgery on November 27 in Amiens, northern France.

CNN: Face transplant woman thanks team