Did you adopt the language of that place if you are on a vacation?

Usually when I travel, I try to speak to them in English. I only travel for a short period of time so I may not be able to go back to that place in the near future. So it would be futile to learn their language. I would totally forget it if I don't have someone who speaks that language for me to practice and develop it. And the preparation time for my vacation is also short. So I don't have the time to study a certain language. And besides if you start speaking to them with their native language, you must be well prepared. They will think you know their language well and start conversing with you in their own language until such time that you cannot understand anymore. hehehe... If English does not help, try sign language. It is very effective... :D

When I visit a foreign country I take a travel guide book which has a language section at the back of it. I then try to say a few words and sentences that will help me to communicate. The local people usually appreciate this. I find a different alphabet very difficult to master. Therefore I had language difficulties in Bulgaria. I remember visiting Belgium when I was 18 years old and I tried to speak to the people in French. They told me there mother tongue language is Flemish, English is their second language and they don't like to speak French. I found out that Flemish is very similar to Dutch. In the Netherlands they liked to speak perfect English and didn't give me a chance to try to say much in Dutch.

I always try to learn a bit of the language before I visit a foreign country, because I think that makes things a lot easier. I try to learn some common phrases like greetings and the common signs like "entrance", "exit", "open", "closed" and "no trespassing". If I am going to travel by train or by bus I also memorize the local words for "arrival", "departure", "tickets" and "timetable" so that I will be able to find the places that I am looking for without too many problems. Even though I learn a bit of the language I have to speak English in many situations, because there are things that are far to complicated to explain in the local language and my only choice is to look for someone who speaks English.

I always think that it is only common courtesy to try to learn at least the basics of the language of any "foreign" country which I visit. Not "for a better service", but just to be considerate and respectful. Best wishes W

I try to learn at least a few phrases in the local language. I think it is nice and it usually gives you better service etc. too. And it's kind of interesting to learn foreign languages anyway!

I love language. I've been a fan of it but unfortunately language does not really like me. ;) I am now on vacation, and I am using English which is the national language of the country that I am in. So, its not a fuss really. I am kinda learning though the accent they had and some of the words that they usually says. Its quite of fun. ;)