I'm planning to take a month-long European vacation this summer. However, I don't speak any foreign languages. Can anyone tell me what language they speak now in France, in Spain, in Germany, England, and so forth? Now I understand that the Euro has recently become the common currency of these countries, but how about the language? When I travel from one European country to another, can I expect that the language will change, or do they now all have the same language since they have the same currency? It is all very confusing to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've found that speaking english REALLY LOUD gets the job done.

All the former languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, ...) were replaced by European on the 1st Jan 2002. If you learn the basics of it, you'll find no problem.<BR><BR>Check http://www.ispeakeuropean.com

While there is only one currency now, the Euro, the money is minted in each of the member countries. Meaning, the Euro currency is printed in different languages, depending on where you are. The accepted rule is that whatever language your money is in, is the language you should speak when doing transactions with that money. If not dealing with money, then you speak the language that was in effect before the Euro. If you have a mixed bag of coins, you have to add up the value of the coins of different languages and speak the one that you have the most money in. It's all really very simple.

ifzyou vanna come inzi oirupe youzi needzi tzo learnz thezi newzi europeansky languangensky.<BR>Itzi verytsky ezzy

Perfect answer Hank<BR><BR>You only forgot to say that in Europe, if you got no money, you should keep silent.<BR>

Just wear a fanny pack, and the locals will automatically speak English to YOU.

there's also another different thing. To make a taxi stop, get near the sidewalk and give the taxi driver a finger

troll alert...

Meredith,<BR><BR>I think it's in your best interest to stay at home as the chances of you making it to Europe AND back are very slim since it would seem you are an idiot.

Now Reagan, When you say "idiot", can you tell me how you say that in Portuguese, spanish, french, etc.?

Difficult question. As you can imagine, while there's certainly a need for a commone language in the E.U. no country wants to give in and speak the another member country's language instead of its own. Therefore, the only fair solution was to use the language of a country that's not now in the EU and never will be. Consequently, it has been decreed that there shall be one common language that will not give any single memeber nation either an advantage or a disadvantage over the other members. The common language in all E.U. countries is now therefore Chinese (Mandarin Chinese, to be precise).

OH yes, there's a definite need for a common language in Europe. French, Italian, Spanish, German... I say you can toss the beautiful variety and mystery of each language, their individual rhythms and cadences, etc. out the window. It's all Greek to me! Why don't they just all learn to speak the only language that counts- American!

The term "idiot" is universal; only accent marks and enunciation differ between countries. Watch out, however, when a German person calls you an idiot because chances are good that a loogie is about to be hocked in your face.

thanks for the travel trip, Reagan.<BR><BR>Well I'm glad we have at least one term nowadays that is universal! Geez.

Well, Meredith, there are many more universal terms. Not surprisingly, many phrases we deem offensive here in the states are actually compliments in other countries. For example, if you tell someone in Sweden that you want to sleep with their mother they will yodle with delight. For the most part, people in European countries like to be told by Americans what bad hygeine they have--use the word "greasy" whenever possible.

Ah the American sense of humour...

Meredith,<BR>don't forget that Switzerland is still not part of European Union. This means you'll still have to learn Swiss.

Hey Meredith<BR><BR>Check out<BR><BR>http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/languages/european_languages/languages/index.shtml<BR><BR>Useful real audio, too (for all those important phrases like where's the bathroom)<BR>; )

You guys who took my question seriously are so sweet to try to be so helpful. I posted this message to be funny, guys. I've been to Europe thrice. Just wanted to see what funny responses people would post. Pedro, Chau, Reagan, Elvira, thanks for the laughs! Sorry for being a troll--Promise not to do it again-