Language

[Makeo]

I don´t think I´m in the typical english speaking touristy areas. I haven´t met any native english speakers yet. Anyone who does speak english, hablas un poco inglese. ie not much

[Paul Hanson]

I would try to learn other languages, but when you make an effort and mess it up, native speakers have a nasty tendency to criticise every single little mistake you make (even members of my own family have this problem when I try and speak Dutch). So I don't bother.

[Drake Tungsten]

You're learning the wrong language. The Japanese will always compliment your Japanese skills, no matter how horrible you are. They're so overbearingly nice that you actually start getting annoyed by the undeserved compliments...

[Koyaanisqatsi]

You don't need to know the language. I just spent a week in Austria and the only German words I used were "sorry", "thank you", and "large cheese pizza".

Well. You know. In German.

[duke o' york]

I speak fluent French and have found that the pesky rascals react differently if you address them in perfect French: they will respond in English!

[rant] I didn't spend years and years learning your language and enjoying your literature for you to reply in English. I appreciate that you need some practice with your English by what you have said to me, but wouldn't that be better with someone who didn't speak French? Like the fat bloke in the plus fours with the outsized cap and the unwieldy camera! [/rant]

[Makeo]

how did you book a room at a hotel?

[Koyaanisqatsi]

In English.

[Straybow]

Your "location" tag still says UK… where in Spain have you landed?

I joke that I am the ottok of the Spanish forum
Takes me about half an hour to compose a 4 line post

[MrFun]

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.

It's "No hablo espanol" not "No habla espanol."


"No hablo espanol" = "I do not speak Spanish."

"No habla espanol" = "You do not speak Spanish."

Are you trying to tell all the Spanish people you say this to, that they do not speak Spanish?

[Nubclear]

"Yes, what do you want?"
"You don't speak Spanish." *Points to Balloon*

[Bosh]

"No habla espanol" = "You do not speak Spanish."

When correcting people, try to get it right. No hable espanol is HE does not speak spanish, unless of course you're dealing with usted which complicates things a bit...

Also gimmi/I want is really good to learn (yo quiero), can be used for anything once you learn the words for a few things you want, that's how I get by...

[DaShi]

Originally posted by Makeo
how did you book a room at a hotel?

I usually let the prostit. . .er, I mean, I use my phrase book.

[Dinner]

Re: Re: Language

edit: Ignore this post.

[Nubclear]

deleted

[The Vagabond]

Be glad they didn't beat you up yet, Makeo. I was once told by a Spanish person that sometimes instead of the expression "hijo de puta" (son of the *****) they use "hijo de Gran Bretana" (son of Great Britain).