# Traveling abroad: I thought English is the Universal Language! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 12, 2005, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940 "2005-04-12T06:59:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/41 "2005-04-13T01:32:41Z")
I have traveled to France several times and only speak a couple of the most basic French phrases. I was nervous the first time but then I walked around Paris by myself and never encountered a problem by not speaking French. My strategy is to just be as humble as possible in places like stores and restaurants. The employees have never failed to speak near perfect English to me when they realized that I could not in fact speak French. If I needed to ask someone something in detail I would just go into the nearest hotel and ask at the desk. As far as I could tell, most people in Paris (except the very old) can speak some English and is willing to do so if you approach it the right way. I have now logged many days in France just walking around alone and I never felt handicapped much at all. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/42 "2005-04-13T01:40:28Z")
I’m in the camp that says: learn “good morning”, “thank-you”, “do you speak English”, a few other compact phrases and as many numbers as possible. Try to learn the alphabet if you’re in a non-Roman alphabet country (it isn’t that hard), although the Chinese aren’t going to expect you to read Chinese characters… But if you want vindication after traveling in France, spend some time in Asia. Any French you meet there will HAVE to speak English to get around. That’s just the way it is. And you know they just hate it! But, for the record, my experience in France was the same as **Shagnasty’s** – no problem at all and my French is the most basic of basic. ---
**Author:** ![Podkayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/43 "2005-04-13T01:47:21Z")
> [@Baker](#): > > The author Robert Heinlein once had a character in one of his books say that the secret when traveling is to learn how to say “thank you” in as many languages as possible. _blushes_ _curtsies_ ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@Bill\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_Door)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/44 "2005-04-13T02:26:39Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > Let me tell you, I’ve been to almost 40 countries on every continent except Antarctica. If there is one language that you must know to get around in this world, it’s English. I can speak enough Spanish to get around, I used to speak some Malay when I spent _a lot_ of time in Malaysia and I can order a beer in twenty different tongues but the most usefull thing for me is being polite and speaking English. > > Haj I’ve got to agree with that. I worked on a project in China where we had Chinese, Germans, Swedes, Finns, and Americans. The official project language was bad English, because, as they put it, everybody speaks bad English, especially the Americans. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/45 "2005-04-13T03:37:11Z")
> [@Spectre of Pithecanthropus](#): > > Liberia actually uses the U.S. dollar as their standard currency That’s not a great surprise, since (at least according to my history teacher) Liberia was settled by slaves from America. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/46 "2005-04-13T04:32:50Z")
> [@Podkayne](#): > > _blushes_ _curtsies_ I wondered if you would show up in this thread! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ur8it](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecd19e/32.png) [@ur8it](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ur8it)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/47 "2005-04-13T04:45:20Z")
> [@SaxFace](#): > > My favorite is when people ask how much something costs and then demand, “well, how much is that in _American_ dollars?” > > :wally hahaha!!! yep! clearly one of the top 10! ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/48 "2005-04-13T05:28:00Z")
Before the OP gets off his high horse, I wonder if you could answer a question. Just for curiosity’s sake. You’re pissed that stupid Americans aren’t fluent in the laguage of the country they _VISIT._ What are your views on requiring English fluency for people that want to _move to and live in_ the U.S.? On a related note, I find it highly amusing when people bitch about Americans not knowing a foreign language. Not only are we assailed by foreigners and compatriots alike that we’re unsophisticated, boorish dullards for not knowing 3 or 4 different languages, we’re shown that Europe has the model we all need to follow. Yet they get a pass if they don’t know the world’s most common language. Maybe someone can explain it better, because it just doesn’t make sense from a practical standpoint. ---
**Author:** ![Lok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e8c25b/32.png) [@Lok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lok)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/49 "2005-04-13T05:37:12Z")
Someone at work asked me if I ever had problems with languages when I travel overseas. I told them that I didn’t think I would have many problems in the UK this year, because I almost speak the language. But when I was in Australia, it was a real struggle understanding them sometimes. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/50 "2005-04-13T06:30:36Z")
It’s not that we should have to learn the language of every place we visit, but that we need to realize that not everyone speaks the same language and be a little polite to the people who are having us as guests in their countries. For example, don’t assume that everyone you meet speaks English. Even if you are fairly sure they do, it is polite to ask before launching on a big English monologue. Don’t show frusteration if they don’t speak English, or if their English isn’t that great. Most certainly don’t get angry at them and go on tirades about how inferior their country/language/parentage is. Have good humor when things get mixed up, and don’t be above a bit of sign language to get your point across. Try to learn to say “please” and “thank you” and “excuse me.” It’s three words, and they will make everyone you meet like you better. I think a lot of people don’t know how embarrasing tourists can get sometimes. I’ve heard Americans get in big long English fights with poor waiters that didn’t do anything wrong and didn’t understand a word. I’ve heard people loudly insult a countries hertiage, arts, religion and culture right in front of people that most likely understand every word. Mostly it’s the people that make absolutely no regard to the fact that they are in someone else’s country and make no attempt to respect them or their culture that give us all a bad name. But in all my life, I’ve never been treated badly for being an American and only speaking English. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2005, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/51 "2005-04-13T08:20:19Z")
If you’re smart, the whole _ignorant tourist_ thing can be elevated to the level of ironic postmodern perfomance art; for example: In Athens, when visiting the Parthenon (no, don’t call it the Acropolis, that’s too obvious), quietly join a group of people who are just standing there taking in the majesty and spectacle of the whole thing. Pick your moment, then in the most earnest voice possible, say “It’ll be really nice when it’s finished”. Do not make eye contact or the game will be up; wait a while and stroll quietly away. ---
**Author:** ![movingfinger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@movingfinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/movingfinger)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2005, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/52 "2005-04-14T03:46:54Z")
…or shake your head and say "The war ended in 1945 and they still haven’t re-built this place’ That one goes down well in Rome, too, when viewing the Coloseum.’ ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2005, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/53 "2005-04-14T04:09:43Z")
> [@duffer](#): > > Before the OP gets off his high horse, I wonder if you could answer a question. Just for curiosity’s sake. I dunno, **duff** , are you sure that _your_ grasp of _English_ is up to par? No one in this thread has bashed anyone for not being fluent in dozens of languages. The criticism is directed toward those who go to another country and _rudely demand_ that the locals speak fluent English. Several posts have supported the notion that a couple of phrases _and simple courtesy_ will get a person through nearly any foreign interaction. You’re pretty defensive throwing the breastworks up around that strawman you’ve got there. ---
**Author:** ![ur8it](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecd19e/32.png) [@ur8it](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ur8it)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2005, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/54 "2005-04-14T04:22:53Z")
> [@duffer](#): > > You’re pissed that stupid Americans aren’t fluent in the laguage of the country they _VISIT._ What are your views on requiring English fluency for people that want to _move to and live in_ the U.S.? If anyone is going to MOVE/live in a foreign country they should quickly become fluent in that country’s language, no arguments there. And I hardly expect anyone traveling/VACATIONING abroad to be fluent in the language of the country they’re visiting, only the basics, what pisses me off is their arrogance and rudeness when the natives do not understand them, I’ve seen it plenty of times, THEY get pissed and LOUD and then they start demeaning them… these type of people irritate me and embarass me, but oh well, it’s their ignorance, not mine. ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2005, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/55 "2005-04-14T06:49:24Z")
> [@Jervoise](#): > > Out of curiosity, which countries in the developed world commonly accept US currency, other than the United States? Bermuda does (although a British territory and not independent) - the Bermudian dollar is pegged to the USD. > [@smiling bandit](#): > > Not countries, but I understand most hotels in Europe, the Caribbean, and the better ones in South America and Asia will accept dollars. So do many restaurants, though for obvious reasons change it’s not guarranteed to get you american currency in change. You’re also guaranteed to lose a hefty chunk in an extremely unfavourable exchange rate. The simple advice is to change your cash properly. ---
**Author:** ![UnwrittenNocturne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/6de8d8/32.png) [@UnwrittenNocturne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UnwrittenNocturne)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2005, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/56 "2005-04-14T07:12:45Z")
> [@duffer](#): > > Before the OP gets off his high horse, I wonder if you could answer a question. Just for curiosity’s sake. > > You’re pissed that stupid Americans aren’t fluent in the laguage of the country they _VISIT._ What are your views on requiring English fluency for people that want to _move to and live in_ the U.S.? > > On a related note, I find it highly amusing when people bitch about Americans not knowing a foreign language. > > Not only are we assailed by foreigners and compatriots alike that we’re unsophisticated, boorish dullards for not knowing 3 or 4 different languages, we’re shown that Europe has the model we all need to follow. Yet they get a pass if they don’t know the world’s most common language. Maybe someone can explain it better, because it just doesn’t make sense from a practical standpoint. Just out of curiousity, in how many languages are you, personally, able to ‘xenophobia’? ---
**Author:** ![InvidiousCourgette](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e47c2d/32.png) [@InvidiousCourgette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InvidiousCourgette)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2005, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/57 "2005-04-14T07:25:33Z")
I believe one should strive to learn more than simply “thank you” in the language of a country one is visiting. With that in mind, and in the interest of fighting ignorance, I thought I might share some suggestions from my Serbo-Croatian phrasebook that rests, ever hopeful, on my bookshelf: _Bivši svetski prvak je dobio nokaut u šestoj rundi_ (The former world champion was knocked out in the sixth round) _Da li ste bili kapetan podmornice?_ (Were you a submarine captain?) These extracts are real and are taken from the Serbo-Croatian Phrase Book, Viola Ellis, The English Universities Press Ltd. You do not need to thank me if you are meeting any Serbo-Croats today, and your conversation is enlivened. ---
**Author:** ![Go\_You\_Big\_Red\_Fire\_Engine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/eada6e/32.png) [@Go\_You\_Big\_Red\_Fire\_Engine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Go_You_Big_Red_Fire_Engine)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2005, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/58 "2005-04-14T09:40:44Z")
> [@tomndebb](#): > > I dunno, **duff** , are you sure that _your_ grasp of _English_ is up to par? No one in this thread has bashed anyone for not being fluent in dozens of languages. The criticism is directed toward those who go to another country and _rudely demand_ that the locals speak fluent English. Several posts have supported the notion that a couple of phrases _and simple courtesy_ will get a person through nearly any foreign interaction. > > You’re pretty defensive throwing the breastworks up around that strawman you’ve got there. Yeh I think \duffer\ has a black eye from that knee jerk. On a slight side note, I found this quite bad: I have a friend who deso engineering, his lecturer is japanese (the university is in Australia, btw) and being Australia and university, there are some japanese students. They’ll ask the lecturer questions in japanese (during the lecture), and he will answer them back in japanese. At no time does he translate the question or his response. ---
**Author:** ![Go\_You\_Big\_Red\_Fire\_Engine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/eada6e/32.png) [@Go\_You\_Big\_Red\_Fire\_Engine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Go_You_Big_Red_Fire_Engine)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2005, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/59 "2005-04-14T09:42:37Z")
**duffer** :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2005, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940/60 "2005-04-15T04:02:53Z")
> [@GorillaMan](#): > > You’re also guaranteed to lose a hefty chunk in an extremely unfavourable exchange rate. The simple advice is to change your cash properly. Excellent advice. My wife’s sister (from the US) ignored our advice to change her American cash on a recent visit to see us in Canada. She changed her mind pretty quickly when she found that by paying with US dollars in one store, the item that carried a price of, say, Cdn$15.00 was actually costing her about Cdn$20.00. But the merchants are free to set their own exchange rates; you’re stuck with it if you choose not to use the local currency. Yep, we love taking American dollars. You might say that some merchants go a little too far, and love to “take Americans.” 😉 But in fairness, not all do. On another note, I’ve been to a few places where any stable Western currency is welcomed–Canadian dollars, British pounds, American dollars, Australian dollars–anything that is freely negotiated on the world markets, and tends to be more stable than the local stuff. It’s not as if only US dollars are wanted, though if you come from the US and that’s all you have in a foreign country, you might well get that impression. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-abroad-i-thought-english-is-the-universal-language/298940.md?page=4)