B
Bodd
In some cases the Portuguese and Brazilians find it hard to communicate.
Learning a language is a gift
In some cases the Portuguese and Brazilians find it hard to communicate.
Learning a language is a gift
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Probably because as Elfi intimated, their English is better than your grasp of their language.
But also as Bernard said, they appreciate you speaking their language, even if it is only an attempt.
On one occasion, when I was younger, going in to a hotel, I asked if they spoke English, they said they didn't.
I pulled out my phrase book, and they said, "OK, we do."
In my experience, most Europeans under about 40 years old speak some English, probably better than the average Brit speaks their language. But over 40, few Europeans speak English, and those that do are usually highly educated, or work in professions that it is a requirement.
Where I am, none of the locals speak any English. They may have a word or two, or a sentence or two, but that is it. Whereas the only three fluent English speakers I have encountered are: one who lives and works in Paris, he is only here locally for holidays. One who lives in the nearest village, and his son who spent two years in London.
I would disagree with Bodd on one specific issue, I have found more English speakers in Vietnam than French speakers. In fact, where I visit frequently (on a recognised tourist route) I have only ever encountered one native Vietnamese speaking barely understandable French. Although, of course, my experience may be influenced by me being more recognised as English than French. Obviously there are French travellers , but they are usually young enough to have a good command of English also. There are occasionally English speakers, many who have been refugees and returned to Vietnam after the war. Others who work in places that need a command of English, such as Hotels, banks, etc.
Yes, a comedian on tv said recently - I forget who it was - that he thought it would be good to learn French but was put off when he found out that they use different words for nearly everything.
B
Bodd
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Does language determine the way you think?
Sapir Whorf hypothesis. Google it or watch the movie Arrival.
As to schools not teaching a language, meddling from ministers like Gove and education cuts means teachers focused on other areas.
Sapir Whorf hypothesis. Google it or watch the movie Arrival.
As to schools not teaching a language, meddling from ministers like Gove and education cuts means teachers focused on other areas.
I remember Juncker saying after the referendum, English as a language is diminishing...........
One of the reasons migrants want to come to the UK is that they realise learning English as a second language gives them much more opportunity than any of European language.
On the OPs point, yes a second language should bevtaught in schools, Im not sure as early as 5, it seems to me young pupils these days are struggling with the 3R's.
One of the reasons migrants want to come to the UK is that they realise learning English as a second language gives them much more opportunity than any of European language.
On the OPs point, yes a second language should bevtaught in schools, Im not sure as early as 5, it seems to me young pupils these days are struggling with the 3R's.
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Bodd
I worked at a French School in West London. Teacher told me they have kids as young as Five speaking 4 languages.
Mum Dad two nationalities English and French. They are like sponges
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Bodd
I would say yes.
Talking with a French girl on one of the Gili islands. She was traveling with 4 other French who would not learn English through Priciple. They struggled to communicate or socialise throughout Indonesia.
I decided not to travel through Canton because I was told very few speak English. That’s was a no win.
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Bodd
As to schools not teaching a language, meddling from ministers like Gove and education cuts means teachers focused on other areas.[/QUOTE]
This is all our problem not just Gove and other British ministers. All English speaking countries are guilty
This is all our problem not just Gove and other British ministers. All English speaking countries are guilty
Too right Bodd; every other country teaches a second language so that you learn it, we do it half heartedly as a sop.
But hey, Google are developing an app that allows two people to converse in different languages, and translates between them. Start Trek universal translator in the making.
So, which language would you like to learn and what happens when you go somewhere they don't speak that language?
It's somewhat fruitless to just pick a random one because it makes you feel good.
The British way was to go to other countries and teach them to speak English. No point doing both.
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Bodd
I love the French language. But I think teaching my Girls Spanish is the better bet. Other than tha Mandarin.
I learnt tp speak German during a 10 week training course on electronic office equipment in the old East Germany where few people spoke English. The course was in German and accomodation was self catering in an apartment so l had to learn German to buy food. My German had a strong Thuringen dialect which did create some problems when meeting West Germans for the first time and having to explain how I had a Thuringen dialect.
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