When traveling to a foreign country, how many of you Americans....?

Question

speak the language of the country you are visiting? How many of you assume they will understand English if you don't speak the native language?

All interesting answers. I asked the question because of another I saw asking if English Only signs were rude. I think some of us forget that we get many tourists from foreign countries here. I think signs like that would make a tourist feel unwelcome.

Answer 1

I don't use a foreign language unless it's a simple word or phrase (like "spasiba" meaning, "thank you", in Russian), mainly because it would simply cause confusion and make me look like an idiot. I've no desire to confuse and frustrate a native by incoherently butchering his language. So, I try to find someone that speaks English and politely ask for their help.

Answer 2

Never assume those who live in non-English speaking countries will speak English. That's pure arrogance. Yes, English is an "international language", but it's rude to go to other countries and EXPECT such accommodation!

Always have the courtesy to at least explain, in the native language, that you don't speak their language and ask if they can direct you to someone who speaks English. Better yet, learn a few phrases and be prepared for the same treatment most Americans give to foreigners (not very nice). If someone is gracious enough to be kind, helpful, AND speak English to you, count yourself blessed.

Keep a good phrase book handy and make the effort to speak the native language.

Answer 3

You should never assume they speak English. Learn a couple of phrases in the native language, and many doors will be opened for just giving it a go.

Answer 4

First of all tourism and immigration to a foreign country are two different things. As a tourist travelling to a foreign country, I would expect to have a guide/translator. If I moved to a foreign country, I would learn the country's language. Immigrants whether they are legal or illegal are not tourists. I don't think I have to explain to you how much the USA accomodates the foreign tourists, Ms. Vegas.

Answer 5

I speak 3 languages and husband speaks 4 fluently and learning more, some of the most difficult from the Middle East, all the time from his friends where he works with many different ethnicity's.

Answer 6

you have to be an idiot to go to a foreign country and not speak the language. Your just lazy if you go to live there without taking classes first, and your retarded if you think any other country is gonna bend as much as the US has with the Mexican problems comming here every day.

Answer 7

I travel all over Europe where theres dozens of languages spoken but i can only speak English. First of all if you greet someone with a smile,and speak slowly telling them your sorry but cant speak their language you'll discover almost everyone speaks English. Good luck if your in France though!

Answer 8

I think it's extremely rude to go to another country and expect them to speak English. It is necessary to at least learn the basics of their language.

Answer 9

It depends on which country you are visiting. English is the universal language. China recognizes this and they only bother with Chines and English. If you speak English, you are in luck because it is truly the only international language.

Answer 10

I studied French for a year before going to France and Portuguese before going to Brazil. I expect visitors here to try to know enough of the language to get by on the basics. I couldn't do any less.