Help Planning Summer Trip
Nov 2nd, 2013, 10:37 PM
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, but I believe the problem with speaking German in Romandie and speaking French in Germanic Switzerland goes deeper than just rustiness and reluctance. At least with the middle-aged and older crowd.
One time I was staying in Chateau d'Oex and was riding a bike in the Lenk area. I stopped in a small café out in the middle of nowhere, and, having at that time no German, began speaking French to the servers. They almost slaughtered me. There was controlled anger in their faces, their eyes flashed at me, and they began talking quickly to each other. It was clearly more than reluctance; there was something regional/political in their attitude.
s
One time I was staying in Chateau d'Oex and was riding a bike in the Lenk area. I stopped in a small café out in the middle of nowhere, and, having at that time no German, began speaking French to the servers. They almost slaughtered me. There was controlled anger in their faces, their eyes flashed at me, and they began talking quickly to each other. It was clearly more than reluctance; there was something regional/political in their attitude.
s
Nov 3rd, 2013, 08:17 AM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Besides - how good is your French? Could it be that you are hard to understand, and that's the reason why some switch to English? Just wondering>
For simple travelers needs my French is OK - no problem making basic travel questions - but I base this English being the middle language by observing German And French Swiss talking to each other in English at various stores, cafes, etc when they order - seems to be in English mainly. And to me understandably so.
For simple travelers needs my French is OK - no problem making basic travel questions - but I base this English being the middle language by observing German And French Swiss talking to each other in English at various stores, cafes, etc when they order - seems to be in English mainly. And to me understandably so.
