I'm going to Greece in a couple of weeks and I was wondering if I will be having trouble communicating with people in English...can the average Greek speak English? Or French? Or Italian?
2007-03-06 05:06:40 · 13 answers · asked by ? 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Thank you all for your answers. Just for the record, I am studying the basics of the Greek language, but I'm very far from being able to carry on a conversation with a Greek!
2007-03-06 05:21:23 · update #1
90 % of greeks speak English
you wont have a problem
I live in Greece
have a great holiday
Kalo Taxidi ( safe trip)
would love to know which Greek island you are going to
it was a question which I answered to the best of my knowledge.
how on earth can I get a thumbs down when I have lived in greece for 20 years?
2007-03-06 05:11:17 · answer #1 · answered by looby 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The average Greek probably has a pretty limited knowledge of English, but waiters will usually know enough to serve you, and in tourist offices and banks in tourist areas they'll have chosen people who speak this international language. Basically in Europe the educated classes speak or read English, the ignorant classes don't, and there are lots of in-betweens. Speak slowly and clearly, keep cool, and accept that some people have problems with it. Never shout as it leads to distorting your voice. A soft, clear voice is best.
2007-03-06 06:14:56 · answer #2 · answered by porphyry 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. As travelogue journalist Rick Steves recently said on one of his PBS series: "English is the international language. When a Norwegian and a Greek meet in an Alpine village the language they use to communicate with each other is broken English."
2007-03-06 05:37:17 · answer #3 · answered by Brennus 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most Greeks in the tourist areas speak English, only if you stray off the beaten track do you bump into someone who doesn't. I have been to five Greek islands and found that all the people are very warm and friendly.
2007-03-06 05:13:56 · answer #4 · answered by Pocket Battleship 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i doubt it.. The other day I met two guys from Greece (tourists)and they spoke broken English..It was really hard to understand a word they were saying. Why don´t you just try to learn some Greek, instead of French or Italian? You might also get a phrase book.
2007-03-06 05:12:52 · answer #5 · answered by alfonso p 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes they can,,,,,you might find a few old folks that don't but they will try to understand you or get someone to translate......I was in Greece last year for 6 weeks,,,traveled all about,,,no problems,,,,,the children learn English in school, most of the people people very well....and the people are wonderful they will help you and offer you everything...Don't let the language bother you....The most beautiful place in the WORLD ENJOY......Poli Kala............
2007-03-06 05:32:20 · answer #6 · answered by mirmor2001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband is from Greece and speak impeccable English. They learn English in school like Americans learn Spanish in school, especially school aged kids. His mother cannot though.
It depends on where you are going. A touristy place will be fine. A little village may not have many that can speak English. Be sure you learn please and thank you in Greek. :)
2007-03-06 05:18:10 · answer #7 · answered by teej360 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-30 06:57:31 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Greeks can speak a lot of langages because it is a country very touristic, I'm French and I can tell you they can speak French, English, Deutsh....Don't worry about it, but Grece is a poor country and their culture is very diffrent, but it's magnifical!!
I advise you to visit the Sounion Cap !!
2007-03-06 22:15:46 · answer #9 · answered by Petite Fée... 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
if you will go to a touristic place,don't worry for communicating.and if you won't go to a touristic place,try to speak with the youngests (18-35)...
i've been in greece and really you don't have to worry ;)
have fun!!
2007-03-06 05:12:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋