Talking with Europeans
In Spain, Americans mentioned to me that Spaniards must consider their Spanish terrible because people usually spoke back to them in English.
Actually, in case you do not know, speaking in the language of the other person is the custom in Europe.
If you can, there are several advantages when speaking in this way.
First, you are doing what is considered polite.
Moreover, if you include the equivalent of terms such as “please,” “thank you,” and where appropriate “Madam” or “Sir” more so than some Americans do, most people will feel even more comfortable talking with you.
And, second, a person speaking the other’s language helps ensure that the conversation remains at a level that both persons easily understand.
Hey Dave and Deb, thank you for your comments.
After just spending three weeks in intensive Spanish study, I too felt I might never become comfortable with it, as I never have trying to learn other languages, especially speaking, but I got home, turned on Spanish-language television, and am actually able to follow quite a bit of it. Definitely plan more study.
All the best. Please don’t give up.
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Now that is interesting. I never knew that. It is amazing how many people we meet in our travels that speak several languages. I am quite terrible with language. I try very hard, but I don’t seem to have the talent for it. It is my goal to master at least one more language in my life and by God, I am going to do it!