Linda0515

A lone voice to the contrary...I've had the good fortune to have had invitations to visit Puerto Rico and Rome on business on relatively short notice, too short to learn the language. But I bought a couple of guidebooks, surfed the web, bought a phrase book so I wouldn't butcher my pronounciations too badly, and made a phonetic list of phrases I figured I'd need (Where is...? How much is...? etc.) I also made a translated list of common menu items (like gelato flavors in Italy).

I managed just fine, even though on both trips I was out of typical tourist areas and English was often not spoken. Of course I'd have had a richer experience if I knew the language better, but sometimes that's just not possible.

Getting by with minimal language knowledge is of course much easier in countries whose language is based on the Roman alphabet. Between my native English and some high school French, I was able to figure out many Italian and Spanish signs and even newspaper headlines. Getting by in Asian (and some eastern European) countries would be far more difficult.

jmb67

I studied Italian before my trip to Italy, and I was surprised on how much it came in handy, even in the touristy areas.

Jackie_in_Italy

I think knowing the language kind of sets you apart when you visit a foreign country. The natives see you more as a traveler and less as a tourist, and you gain a level of respect for the culture that you might not have gained without knowledge of the language. I studied Italian before living and studying abroad in Italy, but when we went on a week tour to Greece from Italy, I felt almost "homesick" for the italian language, and I think I didn't enjoy Greece half as much with very little understanding of the language (besides basic phrases, etc.). but if you are a serious traveler, you can't expect to learn every language. Therefore relying on key phrases, some simple conversational skills, and an eagerness to learn more once you arrive can really make a difference in your experiences in a foreign country.

ira

Hi Klondike,

You get a for having caught the error.

Well for you!

uhoh_busted

That was a great "classic" thread! We have enjoyed learning and/or freshening up our knowledge of languages before taking a trip. There are lingering benefits, in that it is often easier to read menus, even back at home. But to be able to make a personal link with someone, even if it just to have them to crack a smile at your earnest attempt, makes some of the more tedious aspects of a trip more memorable.

I have to credit Rick Steves' book with the tip on how to say "the machine ate my credit card" for probably the single most useful Italian phrase I ever "mastered." (That, and having learned by watching that when faced with a problem at a toll machine on the A1 in Italy you only need to turn on your emergency flashers and people behind you understand there is a problem and they don't even seem to mind that they must back up and try another booth....)

Peggy_D

I agree with Statia--it is courteous to learn the basic cordialities and attempt to use them. I travel with students quite a bit, and my advise to them is to master the phrase, "I'm sorry, I don't speak much -------(whatever language)." When you begin with an apology for not being able to speak the language of the country you are in, and follow that with feeble attempts to do so, I have found that it opens doors to incredible kindness. Of course, the more remote the region you are visiting, the more language you wil need to know. It helped to know some Italian when we were visiting San Godenzo--a VERY small Tuscan town. When we went to get my husband a haircut, I THOUGHT I was telling the stylist how much to take OFF....he really got his money's worth with that haircut! And I need to take another course in Italian before our next trip.

pheasant

It is great to hear all your stories. I had to share an experience of ours in Mexico that made us want to learn Spanish before our next trip there.

We walk or use public transporation in most places that we visit and we were on a crowded bus in Puerto Vallarta and notice the flirty exchange between the bus driver and a very beautiful young woman. Lots of eye contact and words we could only guess at the content. Right then, my husband and I decided to make learning Spanish a priority before our next trip. It made the next few visits so much more enjoyable and although he says he loses the language when he doesn't use it, I know it helps me to recognize a similiar word even in another language.

The pronunciation is the hardest part for me and yet we have both become more extroverted and that helps in embarassing situations as you tend to smile and try, try again.

These forums have become so valuable in our trip planning. I can't imagine how I would have found out some of the tips without these postings.

dln

I do my best to learn as much as I can stuff into my head! That and hand gestures can go a long way. Although it doesn't always work. My husband and I were in a pizza bar in Rome and I was trying to explain that we wanted to take the pizza away with us. The only word that came to mind was "passegatia" (big time misspelling here, I know) but the counter girl didn't understand me. Finally, I put my fingers on the bar and "walked" them across, in the classic Yellow Pages routine. Duh, Italians didn't grow up with the Yellow Pages and she didn't understand that either. Plus, my husband was laughing, asking me if I wanted to give the impression I was a street walker! We finally spotted a carry out box and pointed to that, and we got our pizza. Believe me, I know how to say thank you very well and clearly! (I evidently need some brushing up on restaurant Italian, though.)

suzanne

I just learn the basics:

yes
no
please
thank you
hello
good morning
good afternoon
good evening
good-bye
one
two
three
four
five
water
coffee
beer
wine
Where is the bathroom?

ira

Hi Pheasant,

A couple of similar experiences in Italy. The body language and tone of voice is enough to let you get the gist of the conversation.

In Italy, however, you wish it were set to music, so that you could enjoy the opera.

pheasant

AH - Opera- Yes, Ira, that too speaks to me!(although not to my spouse). Have you checked out the new book by Frances Mayes called "In Tuscany". Beautiful photos and once again, interesting writing. The light that is captured in the photos makes my soul sing... Opera!!