English is commonly understood around the world. It may be the de facto international language. When people from Greece or Poland meets someone from Italy or Germany, they probably use English. However, if English is your native tongue, and you plan to travel to Europe, yourjourney is will surely be more fun if you can speak just a little of the language of the country you are visiting.
Since English seems to be the best known around the world, we’ll look at it from that point of view. If you’re a native English speaker, that’s good for you, but to be a real traveler, you should learn a few phrases of that foreign language… hello, good-bye, please and thank you at the very least. It’s just the right thing to do.
You should be able to ask (in their language) if they understand English… or better yet ask your question in the local language. They will appreciate the effort. Often they will offer, “Would you like to speak English?” And if they don’t speak English, they will surely try to find someone who does.
Carry a phrase book. It will help to be able to point out a phrase if the local person you’re asking doesn’t seem to understand you. Don’t just speak louder… that could be very annoying. Remember English is a second language to them!
Even if you’re trying, your pronunciation might leave them scratching their heads or blushing as you’ve said something a bit off color. When you travel, you need a sense of humor… don’t take your too seriously and don’t be embarrassed. Use you phrase book and show them what you are attempting to say. Have a good laugh with them and forget it.
Just trying helps. People expect tourists to make mistakes…. even the French who are not as unfriendly as they are made out to be. The key is to be GRATEFUL that they speak a little English to help you… not to expect it.
When you’re speaking English to your new friends, speak slowly and avoid slang. Idiomatic expressions and slang in any language often translate into something that [has!
If you travel to France and the waiter comes up to you and says, “Bon jour, cafe?” Don’t stare blankly and say you don’t speak French. How tough is this one? He’s only saying good morning and asking if you want coffee. Smile and say, “Bon jour, oui, merci.” See that wasn’t so hard. Just a couple of words you probably really did know already, and now your waiter LIKES you… even if you don’t know another word of French!
Don’t be intimidated by signs in a foreign language… take a good look at them… think in an intuitive way. Does it look similar to a word you’re familiar with? If it says “farmacia” instead of “pharmacy”, take a guess… You just found that pharmacy or drug store you were looking for! There may be a picture sign to help? A green cross or a pharmacist’s scale would be a good clue. That may not be what you’re used to at home, but look in the window and think about it, and you can figure it out.
Remember, you travel to see and learn something new … so revel in that foreign language, learn a few words, buy travel insurance, and have fun!
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