Quote:
Originally Posted by vivaldirules
May I ask a serious question (or is that forbidden in The Llounge)? A long time ago I gave up trying to speak the native language in the countries I visit. I butcher them (the languages, not the people) badly I'm sure. And it always felt like I was trying to fake being French, for example, when I'm obviously not. So I eventually decided that, out of respect, I should just speak English. And if we don't communicate, it's my fault and no one else's. So I now openly and sincerely express even "hello", "please", "thank you", and so forth in my own language everywhere. But I sense that some (maybe many) people would say that I'm being terribly disrespectful by what I'm doing. I'd love to hear an opinion. What would you suggest is the right thing for me to do?
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OK, I haven't read anything but the above, so I'll give you my opinion based on my own experience, and tough if I repeat anything anyone has already said.
Of course you butcher the language in another country. It can't be helped. However, if you are the sort of person who likes people no matter where they are from, then you appreciate when they try to speak English, no matter how badly they may butcher it. At least they try.
There have been times traveling when I've been in eight different language zones in less than a week. And, that was back when English was much less the worldwide language of commerce than it is now.
This was also back before digital pocket translators and other handy dandy doodads.
So, I always recommend the following:
1. Write down (phonetically) and practice the following phrases in ever language you can research ....
Do you speak English?
I speak only a little <language applicable to situation>
Can you show me to the closest public toilet?
I am lost. Can you help me find <place you are trying to get to>
What is the word in your language for <point to thing>
I want <number of whatever it is you want and then point>
Yes
No
Please
Thank You
2. Do not worry or even think about your accent. It will suck. It doesn't matter.
3. Learn to count in ten .... just ten .... it will get you through most shopping trips.
It's not so much a matter of respect. It's more (again, my opinion) a matter of making friends in new places, and trying to speak their language (just trying) is a great way to make people smile.
I've found that (even back then), people who knew how to speak English put me out of my misery rather quickly .... but they did it in a spirit of friendship.