alc1974

hi i can only speak english and not a single sentence of any european language except for the basic words -would this be an inconvenience for me?

especially that i will be going around on my own

Flyboy

Would it be an inconvenience for you? Perhaps, but how great of an inconvenience depends greatly on where you will be spending your time. Would it prevent you from being being able to operate and have a good time? Probably not. In major European cities, it is common to find people who speak at least some English, particularly in the hospitality trade.

lobo_mau

I think you should stay home

JN

Where are you going? In large cities, your 'mono-linguism' if I can use that term, shouldn't be a major impediment. Small towns, could be.

When are you going and where? Even if you only have a month, try to learn some of the language in at least the country in which you'll spend the most time. Get a simple phrase book, such as Rick Steve's French, German and Italian, for example, and make a few flash cards of key phrases for finding a room, ordering food, getting around. Put the english on one side and the other language on the opposite and do daily drills. Another quick way to get some ability to communicate is to purchase a Barrons at a Glance book and tape/cd. You can play it while you drive, for example, and pick up a lot.

TylerTraveler

You will be perfectly fine!

In every country save perhaps Italy, France and Spain 90% of the people you meet will speak enough English for you to get by.

Late and can't find the bus station? Find the youngest person you can and ask them in English where the bus station is... 99 times out of 100 (if you ask with a smile!) they will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Don't let anyone scare you. I PROMISE that you'll be fine. I don't speak more than 20 words in any language but English and managed perfectly well in 29 European countries. As a common courtesy it's nice to learn a few words in the native language of course.

I have a blast trying to talk to someone who doesn't know English in hand gestures haha. Charades is fun

alc1974

thanks a lot for your advice!

ira

Hi al,

Will you be able to get along?
In general, Yes.

Do learn: Hello/goodbye, please/thank you, Where is...?, How much is that/this?,

walkinaround

european countries are quite small and therefore, it is common for countries to mix in business or in travel. english is generally the language that europeans use to talk to one another when they are from different countries. for example, if a frenchman and an czech are working together on a project, they will most likely speak in english to each other. a pole visiting spain will generally speak in english. english is really europe's common language. don't worry about it. you will be fine.

L84SKY

Is there a reason why you won't take a small amount of time to learn 25 words in a different language? It might help tremendously. Especially if you would really need a bathroom. Try learning some greetings, the basics: Where, why, when, what, who etc. You'll find that people are a lot nicer if you make some sort of an effort.

nessundorma

You may need to learn more than a few basic words if you plan on travelling outside capitals in European countries that don't use the Roman alphabet, or use variants of it in ways that are hard to decipher if you are an English speaker. In Italy, Spain, France and Germany you are likely to recognize elements of words on menus and in train stations that will give you comprehension. But that's not all there is to Europe. In Hungary or Greece, you might find yourself persistently bewlidered if you venture too far off the well-trod tourist track.

suze

You will be OK, but you need to plan your trip more thoroughly when you don't speak the local language imo.

You don't want to be stuck needing to try to ask where is the train station, when does the museum open, how do I get here or there, etc. from local people on the street.

It might help if you stuck to one country, so you could at least learn some basic words and carry a phrase book to work from (especially for translating restaurant menus, numbers, times).

Also by sticking to major cities and tourist destinations you will be more likely to find English-speakers (at your hotel front desk or restaurants for example) than in the countryside.