A friend and I are going to "backpack through Europe" this summer. Only problem, neither us of really speak any language but English! How big of a problem is this? Don't most Europeans speak English anyway? Will people be rude because I don't speak their language? I really don't have time to learn a new language between now and then, and even if I did, which language, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Swiss etc, would I learn!?!?

Maybe not rude, but an unwise decision not to learn at least smattering of two of the languages you cited (there is no such language as Swiss anyway; the people of Switzerland typically speak two or more languages - - French, German, Italian or others).<BR><BR>Learning any of the languages of Europe adds such an important dimension; I can't imagine a trip deprived of knowing something of the written and spoken languages there.<BR><BR>Many people under age 30 speak some English; perhaps a third might feel able to carry on a conversation - - and 30-50% might read some English, but might never feel comfortable speaking any). Over age 30, I would say that well under half of Europeans speak English - - a higher percentage, of course among workers in the hospitality/tourism industry.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Rex gives good advice. I would add, too, that your attitude is more important than your language skills. Be reserved, speak softly, never whine, be flexible, never compare. Learn several basic words or phrases in French, German, Spanish, and Italian. Write them down, and practice speaking them over ad over. If you are not "street smart," at least don't look and act like yokels. Keep your money out of sight and in several places. Don't be taken by "con" artists who will spot you for what you are -- greenhorns. Smile, learn, and enjoy. I first went to Europe two generations ago, courtesy of the U. S. Government "Grand Tour", aka as WW2. Believe me, your first trip will be better than mine. Have a great time. And whatever you do, avoid the drug scene unless you lust for the hassle of a liftime.

My son traveled all over Europe the year he got out of college.With a tiny bit of high school French, and he did fine in every country.They treated him very well, there are so many people that speak English, and the young people learn it in school, so you will most likely not have any problems.Try to take a book with useful phrases, just in case, have a wonderful time, and learn to say hello,please and thank you...that will do you well everywhere!

Addy, you may not speak any other language now, but why not make it a goal of your trip to come back with a little knowledge of at least one other language? French or German is most useful, but Spanish will be helpful back in the US. <BR><BR>This will do 2 things: it will show Europeans (who are MUCH less rude about not knowing their language than we are with those who don't know English) you are making an effort and, second, it will enrich your experience and make your next trip even more enticing.<BR><BR>But you can't just plunk down with a book and try to cram a language into your head. Doesn't work. I don't think much of language tapes, myself, although my brother swears by them.<BR><BR>Here's what I've done: Write out some things you know you'll want or need to say and some possible answers you might get -- does you no good to ask where the bathroom is and not understand the answer! THEN use some book or tapes to figure it out. You and your friend could work out skits and conversations with each other to practice things like numbers, foods, words like "open," "closed," "train station," and various foods. <BR><BR>Another friend decided to learn some basic "tourist" French by figuring out what she would teach a French tourist to say in English so that she could help that tourist navigate around New York. Try it.<BR><BR>

You didn't really say, but I take it you're at least college age. You must have had to take a couple of years of one language. And your friend probably did too.<BR><BR>You have a few months until you go, you don't have to learn an entire language, but you could check out a few tapes/books/videos from the library for free and pick up a few phrases. You can even do it on the internet now.<BR><BR>To me learning a language is fun. My knowledge is more a smattering of other languages, though I did study French for several years. A language can reveal much about a culture.<BR><BR>Have a great time on your trip!<BR><BR>

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