Language

Makeo · September 15, 2003, 09:11

I am in Spain.
I am finding it very difficult to do the simplest things like catch a bus or reserve accomodation. If someone talks to me, all I can do is smile and say 'No Habla Espanol'.

I guess the expectation you have is that even in other countries people will speak English. BUT they don't. At least not here. Clearly its a conspiracy against me.

Drake Tungsten · September 15, 2003, 09:13

I feel your pain. :solidarity:

Unspeakable Horror · September 15, 2003, 09:18

Post your problem at the Spanish Forum or MZO and someone will help you

Harovan · September 15, 2003, 09:18

You think Spain is bad in that matter?

Try France.

FrustratedPoet · September 15, 2003, 09:22

TALK. SLOWER. AND. LOUDER.

BeBro · September 15, 2003, 09:27

Language is great. I use it all the time

Makeo · September 15, 2003, 09:28

No problem except I can't understand a word anyone says and they can't understand a word I say. Also I can't get the keyboard to make the two dots to create a smiley.

aha got it. it isn't where it says on the keyboard, you have to go to the one next to it.

Yeah good idea. slower and louder.

Should I try an american accented english?

Brundlefly · September 15, 2003, 09:45

Quote:

Originally posted by Makeo
I am in Spain.
I am finding it very difficult to do the simplest things like catch a bus or reserve accomodation. If someone talks to me, all I can do is smile and say 'No Habla Espanol'.

I guess the expectation you have is that even in other countries people will speak English. BUT they don't. At least not here. Clearly its a conspiracy against me.

I was in Paris recently and got by with just learning a few phrases coupled with a lot of pointing and smiling. More people speak English in Spain than you know and if you show that you are at least willing to attempt to speak their language then you will get more assistance from the locals.

FrustratedPoet · September 15, 2003, 09:50

It depends where he is. That would certainly be true in large tourist centres or Madrid or Barcelona, but in the less cosmopolitan places there might not be any english-speakers around.

But you're right to say that at least making a valiant attempt at the local language is generally well received. Except in France where they just hate you for butchering their native language with your heathen ros-bif tongue.

FrustratedPoet · September 15, 2003, 09:52

I find that it's generally a good idea to learn:
Yes
No
Please
Thank you
Hello
Goodbye
and the numbers 1-10.

It's amazing how much you can achieve with just those (plus the good old smiling-and-pointing tactic).

Urban Ranger · September 15, 2003, 09:54

This reminds me of the old Monty Python skit.

"If I tell you that you have a great body, will you hold it against me?"

Ecthy · September 15, 2003, 09:56

dito BeBro

FP - the word for "beer" is quite useful, otherwise the numbers 1-10 make no sense

FrustratedPoet · September 15, 2003, 10:00

"dos cerveza por favor"
"deux biere s'il vous plait"
"zwei bier bitte"

Probably spelt wrong, but I don't care. I can pronounce them OK and that's all that matters.

I used to know it in Czech and Hungarian too, but I've forgotten now.

DaShi · September 15, 2003, 10:11

Quote:

Originally posted by Makeo
I am in Spain.
I am finding it very difficult to do the simplest things like catch a bus or reserve accomodation. If someone talks to me, all I can do is smile and say 'No Habla Espanol'.

I guess the expectation you have is that even in other countries people will speak English. BUT they don't. At least not here. Clearly its a conspiracy against me.

Damn them! Why can't they speak English like the rest of the civilized world?

Well, I'm in China now, so I understand how it is. Fortunately, I know a little Chinese to get by. A phrase book can be invaluable. But sometimes, you just have to live with it. And I know, it is annoying when that pretty waitress doesn't speak a word of English. Sigh.

Drake Tungsten · September 15, 2003, 10:11

Quote:

And I know, it is annoying when that pretty waitress doesn't speak a word of English.

I feel your pain. :solidarity:

Makeo · September 16, 2003, 06:32

I don´t think I´m in the typical english speaking touristy areas. I haven´t met any native english speakers yet. Anyone who does speak english, hablas un poco inglese. ie not much

Paul Hanson · September 16, 2003, 06:40

I would try to learn other languages, but when you make an effort and mess it up, native speakers have a nasty tendency to criticise every single little mistake you make (even members of my own family have this problem when I try and speak Dutch). So I don't bother.

Drake Tungsten · September 16, 2003, 06:42

You're learning the wrong language. The Japanese will always compliment your Japanese skills, no matter how horrible you are. They're so overbearingly nice that you actually start getting annoyed by the undeserved compliments...

Koyaanisqatsi · September 16, 2003, 06:46

You don't need to know the language. I just spent a week in Austria and the only German words I used were "sorry", "thank you", and "large cheese pizza".

Well. You know. In German.

duke o' york · September 16, 2003, 06:55

I speak fluent French and have found that the pesky rascals react differently if you address them in perfect French: they will respond in English!

[rant] I didn't spend years and years learning your language and enjoying your literature for you to reply in English. I appreciate that you need some practice with your English by what you have said to me, but wouldn't that be better with someone who didn't speak French? Like the fat bloke in the plus fours with the outsized cap and the unwieldy camera! [/rant]

Makeo · September 16, 2003, 06:55

how did you book a room at a hotel?

Koyaanisqatsi · September 16, 2003, 08:22

In English.

Straybow · September 16, 2003, 23:39

Your "location" tag still says UK… where in Spain have you landed?

I joke that I am the ottok of the Spanish forum

Takes me about half an hour to compose a 4 line post

MrFun · September 17, 2003, 00:05

Quote:

Originally posted by Makeo
I am in Spain.
I am finding it very difficult to do the simplest things like catch a bus or reserve accomodation. If someone talks to me, all I can do is smile and say 'No Habla Espanol'.

I guess the expectation you have is that even in other countries people will speak English. BUT they don't. At least not here. Clearly its a conspiracy against me.

It's "No hablo espanol" not "No habla espanol."

"No hablo espanol" = "I do not speak Spanish."

"No habla espanol" = "You do not speak Spanish."

Are you trying to tell all the Spanish people you say this to, that they do not speak Spanish?

Nubclear · September 17, 2003, 00:39

"Yes, what do you want?"
"You don't speak Spanish."

*Points to Balloon*

Bosh · September 17, 2003, 00:55

Quote:

"No habla espanol" = "You do not speak Spanish."

When correcting people, try to get it right. No hable espanol is HE does not speak spanish, unless of course you're dealing with usted which complicates things a bit...

Also gimmi/I want is really good to learn (yo quiero), can be used for anything once you learn the words for a few things you want, that's how I get by...

DaShi · September 17, 2003, 01:54

Quote:

Originally posted by Makeo
how did you book a room at a hotel?

I usually let the prostit. . .er, I mean, I use my phrase book.

Oerdin · September 17, 2003, 01:59

edit: Ignore this post.

Nubclear · September 17, 2003, 02:21

deleted

The Vagabond · September 17, 2003, 02:21

Be glad they didn't beat you up yet, Makeo. I was once told by a Spanish person that sometimes instead of the expression "hijo de puta" (son of the *****) they use "hijo de Gran Bretana" (son of Great Britain).