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| The Traveler's Pub Message Board |
Backpacking Europe How to be a Good Traveler |
I advise trying to study up, at least a little bit, the basics of the languages of the places you are
going. People usually seem to appreciate it if you are making an effort to speak to them in their
native tongue. It shows that you are at least trying to follow their cultural rules. Consider, if
someone from Poland came to you asking questions in Polish and then looked annoyed and
frustrated because you aren’t answering them. This is probably going to seem rude to you,
no?
Now, there is some truth to the idea that English is pretty well caught on. Yes, many
Europeans do speak some English, particularly in the major cities and/or the touristy sights.
But don’t rely on it. Its always good to know the basics. Don’t worry about fluency, there’s
lots of languages to cover. The point and smile method can get you by in stores, but follow it
up with a thank you in there language.
going. People usually seem to appreciate it if you are making an effort to speak to them in their
native tongue. It shows that you are at least trying to follow their cultural rules. Consider, if
someone from Poland came to you asking questions in Polish and then looked annoyed and
frustrated because you aren’t answering them. This is probably going to seem rude to you,
no?
Now, there is some truth to the idea that English is pretty well caught on. Yes, many
Europeans do speak some English, particularly in the major cities and/or the touristy sights.
But don’t rely on it. Its always good to know the basics. Don’t worry about fluency, there’s
lots of languages to cover. The point and smile method can get you by in stores, but follow it
up with a thank you in there language.
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