Language

[Makeo]

I am in Spain.
I am finding it very difficult to do the simplest things like catch a bus or reserve accomodation. If someone talks to me, all I can do is smile and say 'No Habla Espanol'.

I guess the expectation you have is that even in other countries people will speak English. BUT they don't. At least not here. Clearly its a conspiracy against me.

[Drake Tungsten]

I feel your pain. :solidarity:

[Unspeakable Horror]

Post your problem at the Spanish Forum or MZO and someone will help you

[Harovan]

You think Spain is bad in that matter?

Try France.

[FrustratedPoet]

TALK. SLOWER. AND. LOUDER.

[BeBMan]

Language is great. I use it all the time

[Makeo]

No problem except I can't understand a word anyone says and they can't understand a word I say. Also I can't get the keyboard to make the two dots to create a smiley. aha got it. it isn't where it says on the keyboard, you have to go to the one next to it.

Yeah good idea. slower and louder. Should I try an american accented english?

[Brundlefly]

Re: Language

Originally posted by Makeo
I am in Spain.
I am finding it very difficult to do the simplest things like catch a bus or reserve accomodation. If someone talks to me, all I can do is smile and say 'No Habla Espanol'.

I guess the expectation you have is that even in other countries people will speak English. BUT they don't. At least not here. Clearly its a conspiracy against me.

I was in Paris recently and got by with just learning a few phrases coupled with a lot of pointing and smiling. More people speak English in Spain than you know and if you show that you are at least willing to attempt to speak their language then you will get more assistance from the locals.

[FrustratedPoet]

It depends where he is. That would certainly be true in large tourist centres or Madrid or Barcelona, but in the less cosmopolitan places there might not be any english-speakers around.

But you're right to say that at least making a valiant attempt at the local language is generally well received. Except in France where they just hate you for butchering their native language with your heathen ros-bif tongue.

[FrustratedPoet]

I find that it's generally a good idea to learn:
Yes
No
Please
Thank you
Hello
Goodbye
and the numbers 1-10.

It's amazing how much you can achieve with just those (plus the good old smiling-and-pointing tactic).

[Urban Ranger]

This reminds me of the old Monty Python skit.

"If I tell you that you have a great body, will you hold it against me?"

[Ecthy]

dito BeBro

FP - the word for "beer" is quite useful, otherwise the numbers 1-10 make no sense

[FrustratedPoet]

"dos cerveza por favor"
"deux biere s'il vous plait"
"zwei bier bitte"

Probably spelt wrong, but I don't care. I can pronounce them OK and that's all that matters.

I used to know it in Czech and Hungarian too, but I've forgotten now.

[DaShi]

Re: Language

Originally posted by Makeo
I am in Spain.
I am finding it very difficult to do the simplest things like catch a bus or reserve accomodation. If someone talks to me, all I can do is smile and say 'No Habla Espanol'.

I guess the expectation you have is that even in other countries people will speak English. BUT they don't. At least not here. Clearly its a conspiracy against me.

Damn them! Why can't they speak English like the rest of the civilized world?

Well, I'm in China now, so I understand how it is. Fortunately, I know a little Chinese to get by. A phrase book can be invaluable. But sometimes, you just have to live with it. And I know, it is annoying when that pretty waitress doesn't speak a word of English. Sigh.

[Drake Tungsten]

And I know, it is annoying when that pretty waitress doesn't speak a word of English.

I feel your pain. :solidarity: