Do you learn the local language

[harvyk]

At the end of this month I'm heading off back to both Hong Kong and visiting Taiwan for the first time. I know that English is pretty widely spoken, and inside big cities especially inside tourist hubs most people there will speak English, especially if they are trying to sell stuff to foreigners. I've been learning a little bit of Cantonese and am also brushing up on my Mandarin before I go. Neither are languages I speak particually well, and it probably won't get me out of trouble, but if nothing else I'm doing it for a little fun.

I was speaking with Dad over the weekend whom told me he does the same thing before traveling, and it got me thinking, is there anyone else whom will learn some of the local language before leaving?

 

[JohnK]

Be prepared to struggle in Taipei. I know I did.

And who picks up a language in a few days?

 

[vetrade]

I don't have any inclination to become proficient in foreign languages but I do think it's respectful to be able to use (and pronounce correctly) common terms such as "hello", "please", "thank you" etc so I have have a "cheat sheet" of these common terms for each of the places we visit. I also include a selection of X-Rated profanities which come in handy occasionally if I feel the need to get errant taxi drivers (eg in Rome), gypsies (Paris), vendors (anywhere) or anyone else who thinks they can con me, to "re-focus".

 

[harvyk]

And who picks up a language in a few days?

I know of a few people who can pick up the basics of a language within a few days (I'm not one of them unfortunately ) . Whilst perhaps not enough to starting giving lectures in the language, certainly enough that they can get around without needing to resort to English.

 

[Homer]

Isn't there a missing option: "I only speak English but I go to some quite out-of-the-way places and get by because many people speak English"?

 

[harvyk]

Isn't there a missing option: "I only speak English but I go to some quite out-of-the-way places and get by because many people speak English"?

Option 4....

 

[Homer]

Option 4....

I didn't read it that way because "I'll stick to area's (sic) which (sic) English will be spoken..." sounded to me like it was the "I only travel to English-speaking places" option. I've found that you can be on a mountain in South America where most people speak Spanish or Portuguese but so long as the guy driving the limo can speak English and the concierge at the hotel can speak English then you can get by pretty easily.

 

[Denali]

Despite my european background, I suck at languages but my hubby (also from a non English speaking home) makes a big effort to learn some phrases to meet and greet the locals and its always been well accepted.

Well except for a French FA, who sat us down, pointed at us and said; "You two. Do not attempt to speak my language, OK?" After 24hrs of travelling, its made us laugh.

 

[snabbu]

Would say I'm in exactly the same boat as vetrade above, plus I'll always learn exactly how to order a large beer in the local language.

 

[kpc]

Be prepared to struggle in Taipei. I know I did.

And who picks up a language in a few days?

Taipei was easy cf to Beijing!! I found Moscow difficult as well. Sign language and pointing can overcome most language barriers

 

[Himeno]

I only know a little Japanese, German and Spanish and even less (2-3 words) of French, Dutch and Italian. But I'm not confident enough with it to actually use it (many Japanese have the same issue with English).
Never had a problem traveling places that don't primarily use English.

 

[Alanslegal]

I learn a few simple words before I go (hello, please, thanks, bye etc) and try to pick up a few more words when I'm there. I would be very very multi-lingual should I have learnt every language for each of the 40 odd countries I have visited

 

[nickfromeastryde]

Its polite and the right thing to do to learn some of the very basic phrases and words

Also can be a fun experience trying to order a meal/drink or buy something in a shop using the local language

 

[JohnK]

Taipei was easy cf to Beijing!! I found Moscow difficult as well. Sign language and pointing can overcome most language barriers

Try asking where to find a bank that accepts Thai baht as foreign exchange.

Long story but had very little assistance from locals in Taoyuan, Citibank card rejected at all ATMs and I had just about had enough. Not keen on returning.

 

[kpc]

Try asking where to find a bank that accepts Thai baht as foreign exchange.

Long story but had very little assistance from locals in Taoyuan, Citibank card rejected at all ATMs and I had just about had enough. Not keen on returning.

Hotel concierge would be your best bet

 

[samh004]

I believe in knowing the basics*, if pronounceable

*other than France

 

[JessicaTam]

I like to learn a few words before I go, such as please and thankyou. It is amazing how much better you are treated if you make the effort.

 

[robd]

I like to learn a few words before I go, such as please and thankyou. It is amazing how much better you are treated if you make the effort.

For me, hello, please & thank you, at least.

 

[JohnK]

Hotel concierge would be your best bet

That was the end of the long story.

No concierge at hotel and hotel staff gave me directions to 2 banks and ATMs. No go using either. Got back to Holiday Inn trying work out how to get to airport without any TWD when the plasma screen changed to the foreign exchange rates and they accepted Thai baht. Problem solved. But wouldn't have have the problem in first place if taxi driver had bothered to take me to the right hotel.

 

[RooFlyer]

I learn a few simple words before I go (hello, please, thanks, bye etc) and try to pick up a few more words when I'm there. I would be very very multi-lingual should I have learnt every language for each of the 40 odd countries I have visited

Same, except I can't focus until I am at the location and test out the pronunciation. I rely on Lonely Planet phrases a lot, but have learnt that they aren't very reliable, especially when it comes to 'formal' and 'informal' situations. But after a few corrections, I'm OK.

The only time you don't get a good reaction is when you say the equivalent of "No, I'm not buying, thank-you" .

Least receptive place for attempted local language for me was Quebec. Even after living there for 6 months I was still regarded with contempt when I tried Quebequois. (This was mostly up north, but the cities weren't much better.)