[OnyxCougar]

Originally posted by ladysycamore


Now you're speaking MY language...ha! I just don't understand how anyone can communicate "properly" if they don't learn the language (and I mean without the help of an interpreter).

Aren't "we" (Americans) expected to do the same when visiting other countries (learn *some* of the native language)?

Before I went to Croatia, I started to learn the language, bought dictionaries, and spent HOURS in a Croatian IRC chat room. I wasn't fluent (still not) but I understood enough to find the bathroom, the American Embassy, and order bread and a coke. (Actually, I got alot more than that, but turns out I didn't need it, as our friends over there spoke WAY better English than we (I) did Croatian.) But yeah, definetly, learn as much as you can before you go, because people are MUCH more open to help you if they see you at least trying to speak in the native langusge, rather than assuming everyone speaks English.