Thread: To speak or not to speak the local language when visiting other countries?
View Single Post
Old 06-20-2009, 05:46 PM   #34
mores
Guru
mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.mores knows the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow.
 
mores's Avatar
 
Posts: 834
Karma: 102419
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Vienna, Austria
Device: iPhone
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bilbo1967 View Post
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.
I guess they wish to "reward" you for your efforts. Then again, maybe your german or french is so bad they feel you will probably not understand them

I appreciate it when someone tries, at least, to speak in my native language, but sometimes, when I reply and get a blank stare, I offer to switch to something we both understand better. No use giving directions when all the other guy understands is the general direction you indicate with your hand.

That said, I went to france 2 weeks ago and was at one time pretty annoyed when the french lady in the store tried to speak english to me. My french is pretty good, and I was asking for a "thingie for an allergic nose". I mean, doesn't it count for anything that I can say "thingie" in french?
mores is offline   Reply With Quote