French Greetings -- Hello

Just when I thought I had learned the French greetings (bonjour, bonsoir, salut) out of the blue, there's another -- "Hello." There's no explanation why it's used; it's just there. In the Lesson 3.4 Extra Vocabulary, the first line reads, "Hello! Ça va?" I looked up "hello" in my dictionary and drew a blank; it's not there. From the lesson concext, it appears that "hello" is used only with friends, much like "salut." I wonder how commonly it's used. Certainly, the word "hello" sounds like another example of English influence.

Bonjour Diana, This is simply an allusion to the fact that English has and is continuing to have a big affect on the French language. Although it is very rare that somebody would say 'hello' to you in France, it is also not unheard of. But if you want my advice, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Keep up the good work! - Marie-Claire