Thread: To speak or not to speak the local language when visiting other countries?
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Old 06-21-2009, 08:12 AM   #41
zelda_pinwheel
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Location: Paris, France
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stitchawl View Post
It's simply polite to make an effort to speak another person's language, no matter if you are in their country or they are in yours. It's communication. But there is no real need to learn more than 3-4 'polite' words. The rest can always be done with pictures.

Pictures usually work. I never leave the house without a small pocket notebook and a pen. I might not know the local word for 'post office' but I can draw a picture of a letter with a stamp on it. (This gets a bit dicey when trying to find a gynecologist.) A quick 'excuse me' in the local language for good manners, then a picture, and finish with 'thanks,' again in the lingua franca and you're on your way. No one is embarrassed or upset and perhaps you'll make a friend!

Stitchawl


Quote:
Originally Posted by GraceKrispy View Post
And people wonder why I'm so gender confused. I only just found out this morning that *you* are male, then you go and write something like this! What's a person to think? Either you are a male with a unique set of equipment, or you like to help your wife/gf/so'random women off the street find gynos in foreign countries? I could come up with a few more guesses, but they're grossing me out, so I'll stop.

STOP GENDER CONFUSION!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stitchawl View Post
The problem is.... I've spent the past 20 years abroad...


Stitchawl
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