Should everyone speak English?

Nostrodamus said:
Go in any restaurant and you are more likley than not to be served by someone of Polish origin.
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And that is because??....The Polish person bothered their a*se to learn English/French/Spanish/Portuguese or whichever language, thereby securing themselves a job which otherwise would have been available to Brit who couldn't be bothered to learn another language!
 
jhr said:
Portuguese is a tricky language; I have some Spanish (to O Level standard) and thought that it would be a doddle to get by in Portuguese. Some words are, indeed, similar but it's a combination of Spanish and Arabic (long history of colonial conquest), and a linguist friend of mine even compares the sibilance of spoken Portuguese to Russian. You haven't got a chance :) (though if in doubt find a school aged kid - they all learn English at school nowadays, I think).

However, even a few words will get you by - "Obrigado/a", "boa dia" and dois cervejas por favor" will get you through most crises :)
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Portuguese is not difficult. If you compare the words in a Spanish/Portuguese dictionary you'll find that 70% have the same origin. Of course pronunciation can vary as in English - put a Cockney on Tyneside and see what happens.
It should be duas cervejas but that's not important you'll still be served.
If Englishmen realised how badly they speak their own language they might be less concerned about making mistakes in another.
 
Call me Mr Cynical, I always attempt to speak a little of the language of the country I am visiting, I find you are understood far more readily when you are holding a wallet!
 
Look, before people send out to have me assassinated I have to say the following.

I will sometimes write a serious question in a way that will get some interesting responses. I think that this one certainly has.

I agree that it is important to make an effort when going to another country. I knew basic French before coming here but regional accents in France can be far worse than in England.

Since being here our French improved somewhat initially but over winter I have had daily French and English lessons with my neighbour who could not speak English. We also joined a French club on our first week of being here. This club will only speak French but will help you. We have also made friends with many French people and were invited to a Judges house for lunch. We have made the best efforts we can to integrate into the French society and as a result we have enjoyed our stay so much more. I can now understand and say quiet a lot but it is not an easy language.

We will be leaving soon for Spain so my son has spent the winter learning basic Spanish.

The important part is that we have made an effort and do understand the radio.

How many of those on a weekend jolly across the channel do not understand the language at all and may find themselves not understanding what was said on the radio.

French sailors on the whole are wonderful and enthusiastic sailors but believe me they will do the most unexpected things and being able to ask them what they are doing on the radio may save you a whole heap of trouble.

The other point is that life is so much easier and enjoyable if you know the language. My preconceptions about the French have changed so much and I really enjoy their way of life.
 
Heck, yeah. When I'm in London, I'd be very happy if the taxi drivers would... :D

PS: not to mention when I'm in Wales...
 
There are two categories of English people when abroad:
- those who think that the whole planet speaks English and also think that the whole planet must be able to understand them irrespective if they speak fast or use a difficult for foreigners accent
- those who realise that English is in general spoken in many many parts of this planet but make their best effort when speaking to a foreigner (in English) to help him/her understand them. That means speaking slowly and as clearly as possible.

I have met lots of them belonging to both categories and clearly prefer category B (which can understand better anyway).
 
After a good many years living in France, my SIL who is married to a Frenchman, still gets frustrated with the language. Her French is superb, but she reports that there are occasions in conversation where people make out they dont understand what she is saying, maybe just because of a slight pronunciation issue. She claims that even talking with friends the French can be exceedingly awkward.
 
I've no problem with the idea of learning major languages before visiting them - but why would I want to learn Welsh ? To be able to communicate with 0.000000000001% (ok, so it's a guess ...) of the world's population ? And yet many Welsh actually expect it - certainly around Caernarfon and Anglesey. I think the arrogance there lies not with the visitor.
 
galadriel said:
After a good many years living in France, my SIL who is married to a Frenchman, still gets frustrated with the language. Her French is superb, but she reports that there are occasions in conversation where people make out they dont understand what she is saying, maybe just because of a slight pronunciation issue. She claims that even talking with friends the French can be exceedingly awkward.
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I presume it's your sister in law, and not your son in law, who married the Frenchman?
 
electrosys said:
I've no problem with the idea of learning major languages before visiting them - but why would I want to learn Welsh ? To be able to communicate with 0.000000000001% (ok, so it's a guess ...) of the world's population ? And yet many Welsh actually expect it - certainly around Caernarfon and Anglesey. I think the arrogance there lies not with the visitor.
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I heard a story about a big sign which was put up somewhere in Wales, with some most unusual content. What happened was somebody sent the intended content to a linguist requesting an English-Welsh translation. The e-mailed response that came back was pretty instantaneous, and the sign was quickly produced and erected.
It said something along the lines of, in Welsh:

"I am on annual leave and will attend to your e-mail on my return"!

Anybody else heard this? It can't be true; can it?

Edit:
I've found it!
_45162744_-2.jpg

It was in Swansea, and the Welsh reads:
"I am not in the office at the moment. Send any work to be translated."
 
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Guapa said:
To ask the question is to answer it. ;)



Just to the best you can.
Most people everywhere appreciate the effort you put in, and if you're struggling many will 'help you out' with their best effort of English.
I have little sympathy for expats who confine themselves to arrogantly shouting at Johnny Foreigner in English.
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Hear hear. It takes little effort to try, and shows respect and consideration. Besides, its fun too!
 
Nostrodamus said:
Look, before people send out to have me assassinated I have to say the following.

I will sometimes write a serious question in a way that will get some interesting responses. I think that this one certainly has.

I agree that it is important to make an effort when going to another country. I knew basic French before coming here but regional accents in France can be far worse than in England.

Since being here our French improved somewhat initially but over winter I have had daily French and English lessons with my neighbour who could not speak English. We also joined a French club on our first week of being here. This club will only speak French but will help you. We have also made friends with many French people and were invited to a Judges house for lunch. We have made the best efforts we can to integrate into the French society and as a result we have enjoyed our stay so much more. I can now understand and say quiet a lot but it is not an easy language.

We will be leaving soon for Spain so my son has spent the winter learning basic Spanish.

The important part is that we have made an effort and do understand the radio.

How many of those on a weekend jolly across the channel do not understand the language at all and may find themselves not understanding what was said on the radio.

French sailors on the whole are wonderful and enthusiastic sailors but believe me they will do the most unexpected things and being able to ask them what they are doing on the radio may save you a whole heap of trouble.

The other point is that life is so much easier and enjoyable if you know the language. My preconceptions about the French have changed so much and I really enjoy their way of life.
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It looks like you are doing what any normal, non arrogant person does to get by in a foreign country. So maintaining the status quo with regards to preparing to speak a foreign language looks like a good idea.

So don't worry and carry on as normal!
 
Phoenix of Hamble said:
Hear hear. It takes little effort to try, and shows respect and consideration. Besides, its fun too!
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+2 100%

Good morning/evening, please/thank you, may we have the bill please(always a winner), two beers, please.

Those few phrases give Hours of fun in French, Croat, Albanian, Greek, Swedish and Danish, particularly for the locals in correcting your pronounciation:D:D
You are a civilised visitor in their country, as they would be in ours, not a drunken soccer prole on parole.

Must admit we have always found the French very friendly, but some of the Channel Islanders.......
 
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