When she returned from Paris recently,    

     Susan Rappaport brought two charming and

     basic French books for Alexandra Hall, her

     5-year- old granddaughter. She explained

     that Alex might enjoy beginning to learn

     French now, in preparation for future

     visits. Alex listened attentively and then

     placed her hands firmly on her hips.

     “Thanks for the books, but I can’t learn  

     French,” she said. “Listen, I don’t even know

     all the words in New York City yet.”

        New York Times