Comments on: Do You Bother Learning Any Of The Local Language Before A Trip? [POLL RESULTS]

By: Anil Polat

Anil Polat — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:47:51 +0000

In reply to Mark H.

I think many times we see a smile on someone’s face when we try their language and incorrectly assume they’re making fun (or maybe that’s just me). It’s usually because the person is really pleased and happy you made an effort to learn their language. I got over my embarrassment of mispronunciation long ago…

By: Anil Polat

Anil Polat — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:44:37 +0000

In reply to Stephanie. I managed to hide this poll pretty well :/ Thanks for the comment though. I think immersion in the classroom or otherwise is the most effective way to learn and retain a language. When forced to learn and use a language it's hard to *not* pick it up on some level.

By: Mark H

Mark H — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:43:19 +0000

I am reassured that almost 90% make a decent effort at learning a few words. To learn a few greetings is not difficult (irrespective of skills with languages) and makes so much difference when opening a conversation. However poorly pronounced, my experience is that people greatly appreciate any effort to speak the local language and I think it rude to assume people speak English.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:18:43 +0000

I missed this poll but apart from “hello” “thank you” and “beer” I rarely learn any more of a language. It’s not so much ignorance as that I am ridiculously hopeless at learning languages. 4 years of Spanish and 2 of Italian and I can’t even really order food in either.

I will try to learn what I can while I am in a country however. I find that immersion makes it a bit easier to pick up words.

By: Anil Polat

Anil Polat — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:01:43 +0000

In reply to heidi. I agree, the benefit is mutual. People appreciate it and it's easier for you to travel around. Plus you learn something new and get a small taste of the culture.