Do you try and learn language of country you are visiting ?

[inej]

Are you like a lot of us who don't really bother to learn other countries basic language ,we tend to expect them to speak english to us.I do try and say the usual good morning , please, thankyou but my boyfriend refuses point blank .What are your views ? thanks

[lafrancaise]

I'd say you miss out on a lot when not being able to say the odd word. The locals will speak to you (in english) if you smile to them and make an effort in their language first. After all they get sick of just being part of the furniture and scenery from all the tourists they see pass through. We got to meet a big family in Fidji because we were curious as to how they lived and had learnt a few expressions while we were there.

[mrsann]

Try to learn at least a few words, or if you are ambitious phrases . I was lucky enough to live in Spain for nearly 20 years and learned the language from a Spanish teacher so if we go to a Spanish speaking country we notice how well we are treated by the locals as do my family who also speak it.

[sense4all]

The couple next door made me choke on my coffee, when the hubby announced that his wife ( who "picks up a few words here and there" ) knows just enough to get you shot in ANY language. His delivery was completely deadpan - fab!

[waimarie]

Hi inej, It's a matter of courtesy as well as self preservation. I have lived in non-English speaking countries off and on for over 20 years and can vouch that making the effort to learn even day to day phrases is much appreciated by the local population. Invariably people will smile at your efforts but it is a warm smile and a marvellous ice breaker. No doubt about it, you will have a far better experience with a few well chosen words.

What are my views ? Dump the boy friend and buy a phrase book.

[delboy3]

Once in Corfu I asked for a beer in Greek, and the waiter was so chuffed he let me have it for nowt.

Always worth a go, but be prepared for them to start talking back to you in their lingo - which always leaves me perplexed!

(I found, however, that the French seem unimpressed, but that was in Paris where they are miserable sods anyway ;-))

[delboy3]

PS: anyone else cringe at that Post Office advert where Mr Ant shouts "stoppo, se�oro - mistake-o!"? Yeah, stick an "o" on the end and you're speaking Spanish... :-(

[africankiwi]

I'd say know the language but pretend not to know it. That way you can get a good idea about them first. Just like in the movies! :)

Plus its good for 'picking up' coz when you sound a bit awkward you might get that wild foreigner sex.

[arwenant]

as a language student learning three languages i might be biased but theres nothing more racist than going to a country and expecting that everyone will just forget their own language just to oblige you. it is common courtesy to learn just a few phrases and if you learn one european language such as spanish for example all the others just seem to connect on.

[Garforthdave]

The best way is to buy a phrase book, try the basics, please, thank you, good evening, that was delicious etc, perhaps get a bit more adventerous. It benefits you sometimes with free deserts, free drinks as previously mentioned and next time you see the waiter or barman they will remember you and be more polite and attentive to you unlike your ignorant boyfriend who shoud be dumped and you go on holiday with someone who deserves you more and would be a better travelling companion.

Remember, dump the dimwit, have a great holiday

Dave

[stoo_pid]

I always do my best to learn as many useful phrases as I can before I go to any foreign country. Wherever possible, I get a phrase-book with a CD so I can hear what I'm supposed to sound like and then for a few weeks before I go I practice everytime I'm the car.

To be honest, I find I'm not very good at it and the reality is there are very few times I'll actually be chatting to anyone, but the very least I can do as a guest in someone else's country is make an effort to communicate in their language.

More often than not the person I'm speaking to will patiently listen to my efforts & then answer me in fluent English but it always gets a smile (except in France). It often gets me bigger servings too..!