Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
September 1st 2007 13:07
Sitting in a Biergarten in Germany, we shared photos and chatted away about our day exploring the lanes and alleyways and discussed our scheduled the next day. A waitress dragged herself over to our table with a sour face and asked “What do you want?” in a voice just as sour. A friend turned around, smiled and said “Vier stein bier bitte”
“Ah. Sie sind nicht Americanisch?” (You are not Americans?) Her long face shortened into a wide smile. “Why didn’t you say so?”
* * * * *
At the land crossing between Germany and Poland, two immigration guards came onboard our train to stamp our passports: one to stamp us out of Germany, the other to stamp us into Poland. Grim faced and serious, the Polish guard held his hand out for my passport. As he handed them back, I threw in a quick “Dziekuje” (thank you) and a smile. Looking up with surprise, he smiled and muttered softly “Prosze” (you are welcome).
* * * * *
The world doesn’t hate tourists. They just don’t like being expected to be able to speak English. In general they all blame the Americans, but not just the Americans though; most English speaking tourists are guilty of overlooking the fact that not everyone in the world speaks English.
Being able to converse in the local language is part of being a responsible tourist. Not all of us are perfect, and not all of us can pick up a language quickly, however even just keeping a list of words that you can learn can help.
For example, some essential words to learn are:
Hello.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Please.
Good bye.
Even though they are simple little words, they show that you are trying your best not to appear arrogant. Learning all the question words as well as how to count also helps and the rest can be managed with sign language if your host really cannot converse in English.
Also – don’t leave it until you get to your destination. Before you depart, learn some phrases from someone who knows the language. We are lucky in Australia that we have such wide range of cultures and there is always someone who is bilingual that will be more than willing to share their knowledge with you. Buy yourself a phrasebook, and make your own phonetic notes so you can pronounce the words properly. Bring it with you on the plane for some last minute revision so you are armed and prepared to speak as soon as you land.
Languages are fascinating. It contains so much of the local culture and traditions that, without understanding the language, there are elements of people’s behaviour and interaction with each other that you’ll never learn to appreciate.
Knowing a little of the language also allows you to really get into the local culture, make friends, not to mention, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself a lot more without being dependent on a guide or translator, and the stares of people when they think you are expecting to know English. Imagine being able to come home boasting “I’ve had the best conversation with the old man who told me about his family in Spain!”
So, next time you go away, make sure to grab a phrase book and do some study. It will do no warm in adding a bit of spice to your authentic foreign experience.
“Ah. Sie sind nicht Americanisch?” (You are not Americans?) Her long face shortened into a wide smile. “Why didn’t you say so?”
* * * * *
At the land crossing between Germany and Poland, two immigration guards came onboard our train to stamp our passports: one to stamp us out of Germany, the other to stamp us into Poland. Grim faced and serious, the Polish guard held his hand out for my passport. As he handed them back, I threw in a quick “Dziekuje” (thank you) and a smile. Looking up with surprise, he smiled and muttered softly “Prosze” (you are welcome).
* * * * *
The world doesn’t hate tourists. They just don’t like being expected to be able to speak English. In general they all blame the Americans, but not just the Americans though; most English speaking tourists are guilty of overlooking the fact that not everyone in the world speaks English.
Being able to converse in the local language is part of being a responsible tourist. Not all of us are perfect, and not all of us can pick up a language quickly, however even just keeping a list of words that you can learn can help.
For example, some essential words to learn are:
Hello.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Please.
Good bye.
Even though they are simple little words, they show that you are trying your best not to appear arrogant. Learning all the question words as well as how to count also helps and the rest can be managed with sign language if your host really cannot converse in English.
Also – don’t leave it until you get to your destination. Before you depart, learn some phrases from someone who knows the language. We are lucky in Australia that we have such wide range of cultures and there is always someone who is bilingual that will be more than willing to share their knowledge with you. Buy yourself a phrasebook, and make your own phonetic notes so you can pronounce the words properly. Bring it with you on the plane for some last minute revision so you are armed and prepared to speak as soon as you land.
Languages are fascinating. It contains so much of the local culture and traditions that, without understanding the language, there are elements of people’s behaviour and interaction with each other that you’ll never learn to appreciate.
Knowing a little of the language also allows you to really get into the local culture, make friends, not to mention, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself a lot more without being dependent on a guide or translator, and the stares of people when they think you are expecting to know English. Imagine being able to come home boasting “I’ve had the best conversation with the old man who told me about his family in Spain!”
So, next time you go away, make sure to grab a phrase book and do some study. It will do no warm in adding a bit of spice to your authentic foreign experience.
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Comment by Anonymous
I learned this lesson while in Japan. "Sumimasen" (excuse me) opened up a lot of doors for me, even if I wasn't able to speak any other Japanese. We communicated with smiles and gestures.
Thanks for a great, thoughtful post!