The ground controller sounds and behaves as though he was half asleep. The AF gave their position the first time they called up, but there was a long delay before ATC replied, and then the controller spent ages trying to find their position.
ATC at JFK is always a challenge. LHR and CDG, to mention two, are both huge and busy airports with much better ATC, so it can be done. I was not aware of part of ATC being a private company at JFK but it is always a monumental pain in the arse to have to make separate radio calls on box 2 to find out which stand you are allocated while you are taxiing in. Just frigging well talk to each other ATC, and work with each other ! (There must be a screen available showing everybody's stand allocation).
Also: both aircraft and ATC should have spoken more clearly and used CAP 413 phrases and message construction. That way we all have a better chance of understanding first time - even those for whom English is not their first language.
"Ground, this is AF xxx. We are holding at gate/stand 9 and another aircraft has just struck us".
"AF xxx, Roger. Hold your position. Did you see which aircraft?". etc.