Say if i was to travel to germany, would a common phrase book be good enough?
2007-01-27 21:05:19 · 11 answers · asked by michelle_57 1 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Other - Destinations
I have always found it opens doors, people seem to be more receptive to you if you try to speak there language, I think it comes across that you are more interested in their culture than the average tourist they come across
http://thejapaneseeye.blogspot.com/
2007-01-27 21:19:50 · answer #1 · answered by ichi_ban_gaijin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are travelling in the major cities, you can seek for assistance in the hotel concierge.
A common phrase book would be good but the younger generation do understand english.
Knowing the culture would be more important than knowing the language.
Personally, i don't see why knowing another language would help. What i normally do is find a cute guy/girl and ask for assistances. :D I have travelled to rural areas of Korea and Japan and i got by well without knowing the languages.
2007-01-27 21:16:32 · answer #2 · answered by susie_n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not very important at all. Common sense goes further than the phrase book. You should learn polite words by heart (good day, thank you, etc.) and use them. Other than that, it's a matter of experience to be able to communicate without language. If you are courteous, people will be patient with you. In Germany, they speak good English. I find it helpful to have a pad of paper and pen with me, so people can write things down for me (I can guess at the words for European languages, or look it up later), or we can draw pictures.
2007-01-28 04:02:59 · answer #3 · answered by averagebear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not really important to know the language of that particular country. Nowadays, in almost every country you will find people speaking English or French, not to say another language. I even traveled to China and found French and English-speaking people there.
2007-01-29 20:43:50 · answer #4 · answered by Fairy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's always a good idea to at least know a few phrases in a foreign language when travelling -- hello, please, thank you, excuse me, etc. A lot of Germans will probably speak English (some speak it better than some native English speakers I know). But they will appreciate you trying to speak German to them. If you're going for a short time, a phrase book is a good idea. If you're staying longer (i.e. months), I'd make a better attempt to learn basic German.
2007-01-28 01:17:06 · answer #5 · answered by elf2002 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very important!
If you want to extract maximum enjoyment during your trip you'd better have at least a rudimentry understanding of the language.
A common phrase book might come in handy if you actually are able to correctly pronounce the words.
You should take an emmersion course in German prior to making your trip. (Thats what US service men and woman have available to them when they are stationed abroad)
Or take alaong somebody who can speak german otherwise get ready to be the ugly american.
So arrogant that he went to a foriegn country and didn't bother to learn the language and expects the host nation to speak english to him.
Oh You'll survive. There is an abundance of english speakers that will help you out, but it will suck constantly seeking them out stumbling around your little book.
2007-01-27 21:26:27 · answer #6 · answered by Dr. Ackmadia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It always helps to know that country's language for sure, and I cant think of a more surefire way to learn a new language- intensive and knee deep in trouble making yourself understood.looking for food or the bathroom.
Lets face it, there will always be someone who will speak English, and some of the natives will want to practice their English on you while you practice your German on them.
A phrase book would be an absolute necessity when you are truly stuck for words.there.
Dont forget to have fun
2007-01-27 21:14:46 · answer #7 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to Germany some years ago, and I studied German phrases so I could communicate. When I got there, almost everyone spoke some english. This was true for Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland as well.
2007-01-27 21:10:34 · answer #8 · answered by dana5169 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Knowing the foreign language of the particular country allows you to haggle. Haggling(if that's a word) in English gives you less of a chance to get the desired item to a very low price.
And you could use your attempt to speak that language to talk to some girl/guy that you think is hot. XD
2007-01-27 21:24:51 · answer #9 · answered by mr x krazy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is good to show people of other cultures that you care enough to try to speak their language. A phrase book will help and you will find that they will help you.
2007-01-27 21:15:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋