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

Bilbo1967 · 06-20-2009, 03:44 PM

Have to say that I always try to learn at least a few words ('please', 'thankyou', 'hello', 'goodbye', 'a large beer please' - you know, the essentials). Having said that though, I couldn't manage even that in Finland in February and I'm only getting there in Slovakian because I've been there 4 times this year!

I do get quite annoyed though when I try to speak the local language and the local responds in English. This normally happens to me in France and Germany and I guess they are just trying to be helpful but I feel like it should be me making the effort, not them.

06-20-2009, 03:44 PM	#32
Bilbo1967 Not scared! Posts: 13,424 Karma: 81011643 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midlands, UK Device: Kindle Paperwhite 10, Huawei M5 10	Have to say that I always try to learn at least a few words ('please', 'thankyou', 'hello', 'goodbye', 'a large beer please' - you know, the essentials). Having said that though, I couldn't manage even that in Finland in February and I'm only getting there in Slovakian because I've been there 4 times this year! I do get quite annoyed though when I try to speak the local language and the local responds in English. This normally happens to me in France and Germany and I guess they are just trying to be helpful but I feel like it should be me making the effort, not them.