MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - To speak or not to speak the local language when visiting other countries?

vivaldirules · 06-20-2009, 01:02 PM

I have loved all the countries I've visited and am most interested in getting out of the tourist areas and immersing myself in the people and their culture. I have always felt that I'm a guest in someone else's "home" and am annoyed when other visitors act like they own the place. But I really do think that if I have no chance of learning the language well, the most I could do is spew out a few mangled phrases. It seems odd to me that that would be appreciated but if that's what people prefer I'll happily change my ways and do so.

I've had rather few experiences from the other side (where a visitor to my area struggles with English and is looking for directions, etc.). But I've always been most happy to try to help as much as I could. I can certainly relate to their situation.

06-20-2009, 01:02 PM	#29
vivaldirules When's Doughnut Day? Posts: 10,059 Karma: 13675475 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Houston, TX, US Device: Sony PRS-505, iPad	I have loved all the countries I've visited and am most interested in getting out of the tourist areas and immersing myself in the people and their culture. I have always felt that I'm a guest in someone else's "home" and am annoyed when other visitors act like they own the place. But I really do think that if I have no chance of learning the language well, the most I could do is spew out a few mangled phrases. It seems odd to me that that would be appreciated but if that's what people prefer I'll happily change my ways and do so. I've had rather few experiences from the other side (where a visitor to my area struggles with English and is looking for directions, etc.). But I've always been most happy to try to help as much as I could. I can certainly relate to their situation.