(As I am much more jet lagged than I ever expected, this report will come in pieces as I can manage it. Next time I travel internationally, I want a week off work to recover.)
It is really interesting to read your experiences regarding the language barrier in Germany. It is a phenomenon I have experienced both in Germany and in Austria, where common people (at least those who dont have a higher education) speak very bad English if any at all, and hardly even understand it. If you go into a store and ask a question, they run to find the ONE person who maybe works there, who knows a TINY bit of very bad English
( ... )
While I can't speak for the Germans I have to say that I have never had any problem speaking English in France. I have had more trouble in Spain and in America I was told once that I didn't speak English :) (I'm in the UK)
The French are very protective of their language it's true and they do resisit english words creeping into every day use. In my experience of the French they would rather speak English with you than have you mangle their French while trying to 'go native'
It sure sounds like it was an adventure and a half for you *^__^*
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to find your way around in another language that you don't speak when you are jetlagged.
It was really my biggest fear about Japan. At least in Europe one has a similar alphabet to (outside those nations who use cyrillic) but Japan just blew my mind. Thank the GODS they now have some subway signs in romanji and I am ever so grateful for the fact that friends were there to lead us through or had prepared us beforehand how to handle most situations we encountered.
Can't wait to read more of your adventures. *^__^*
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The French are very protective of their language it's true and they do resisit english words creeping into every day use. In my experience of the French they would rather speak English with you than have you mangle their French while trying to 'go native'
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There is nothing more frustrating than trying to find your way around in another language that you don't speak when you are jetlagged.
It was really my biggest fear about Japan. At least in Europe one has a similar alphabet to (outside those nations who use cyrillic) but Japan just blew my mind. Thank the GODS they now have some subway signs in romanji and I am ever so grateful for the fact that friends were there to lead us through or had prepared us beforehand how to handle most situations we encountered.
Can't wait to read more of your adventures. *^__^*
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