On 1 Dez., 04:01, Don Johnson <[email protected]> wrote:
> > I have a question. Is English as a spoken language tolerated more in > France and Spain then it was 25 years ago? Language(s) remain a major problem in Europe, Don. It varies a lot, and real multi-lingualism isn't as prevelant as many would like (or like to believe). The French have a reputation generally for being particularly chauvenistic and defensive with regard to their own language. They would be at one end of the scale - the other end being the Netherlands, where nearly everyone seems to speak pretty good English and German (probably a reason why very few foreigners learn any Dutch - you really don't need it when you're visiting there!). As I personally speak English and German fluently, Italian fairly fluently and can get by in French and Spanish, my own experience probably isn't representative. In general, though, I've generally found that you can get around in most places with English if you go about it right. This means being polite, friendly and perhaps learning how to say that you don't speak the language and ask if the other speaks English in their native language. Most people respond very positively to the slightest effort to say anything to them in their own language. The problem many US Americans (and others who speak English as their native language) cause themselves is that they immediately start by speaking English, assuming that the other will automatically understand them. This kind of behaviour does tend - understandably, in my view - to get up peoples' noses. Still, there are always unforseen pitfalls. I still remember the very hostile reaction I got from a man in Brussels where I had lost my way and looked for help in my less than perfect French. Too late, I realised that Belgium has two language communities (Walloons-French and Flemish-Dutch) and that they frequently don't particularly like each other. I'd have been better off asking the Fleming for help in English! Francis -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups ""Minds Eye"" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/minds-eye?hl=en.
