I'm going to a concert there so I'll probably have to do concert stuff like coat-checking, order beer, etc. I'm also staying the night in a hotel. The problem is that I don't speak a word of French. I am English-speaking and can use German when needed. So how big of a problem is this? I'm hoping that like in Zurich a number of the population have some grasp of English? True? False? Time to buy a phrase book?
Pig German ?
The Canton is officially bi-lingual FR and DE
Depends very much where in Valais. Upper Valais beyond Sierre, speak German (well sort of lol) anyway.
In any of the towns like Sion, or resorts like Crans-Montana, Verbier, etc, there will be plenty who speak English. If you go to some of the smaller hamlets and villages, they either won't, or ... pretend that they don't unless they want to sell you something, in case they will do so in perfect English. Just go, enjoy, you'll be fine. Where are you headed btw?
Edit: posts crossed jrspet.
Monthey, not far from Aigle, so definitely francophone.
Based on the few times I've been to Monthey, I wouldn't expect to encounter too many English speakers; although staff at a concert are probably going to be relatively young so you may be in luck. Learn how to say please, thank you and beer in French at least.