Rosetta Stone

[corky441]

I have been following this thread with interest. Do you know any Spanish? The languages (as with all romance languages) is very similar. I would try to learn the basics. If you know some Spanish, you will be surprised at how much you understand.

Spanish - NO, but i do have some high school French still rolling around in my brain.

I'm finding that I want to put a French spin on the Italian pronunciations, since so many of the words are similar.

I think with a little bit of practice I'll do quite well.

I was checking out itunes and found some free podcasts that specialize in learning Italian. I downloaded several episodes from a few different ones. I'll start checking them out on my commute to & from work

 

[dburg30]

If you attempt to speak the local language in a major European city to a native, they will probably roll thier eyes, sigh, and speak to you in perfect English!

Europeans do not appreciate your mispronunciation of their beautiful language.

In tourist areas, you will probably hear more English and Japanese rather than Italian.

It is helpful to learn the numbers, simple questions and polite phrases. Europeans do appreciate the effort, but do not want to listen to you struggle with their language.

Tours often isolate you from the locals, limiting contact.

For better interaction with locals, plan your own your tour of Europe ala Rick Steves.


-Paul

So a person that doesnt speak the language, TRIES to learn it, even if it's bad, and the locals do appreciate that you at least tried?? Seriously? WOW, what areas is that? Will have to make sure to keep my non-fluent speaking dollars away from them.

 

[sayhello]

So a person that doesnt speak the language, TRIES to learn it, even if it's bad, and the locals do appreciate that you at least tried?? Seriously? WOW, what areas is that? Will have to make sure to keep my non-fluent speaking dollars away from them.

dburg30, I actually totally disagree with pjacobi here. I found that every time I attempted to communicate with anyone in Europe in their own language (even if it was just to say "gratzia!" or "merci!") I got no eye-rolling whatsoever and they seemed happy to help me. Between my limited knowledge & whatever English they spoke, we did wonderfully.

Friends of mine who have travelled extensively in Europe told me that Europeans always appreciate you at least trying to speak their language, rather than assuming that they're going to speak yours.

Sayhello

 

[abbyjt]

Thought I'd add my 2 cents here. I learned Spanish in High School and spent 2 summers in France in college, but those were a long time ago and I don't have a great memory. I went on line and just googled free language lessons before we recently went to France and the next summer Spain. It is helpful to be able to communicate a little. As others have said, almost everyone speaks English, but it is appreciated when you speak their language. Before we went to Germany, I did the same free lessons thing. My parents knew yiddish, so I found I could understand quite a few German words, they are similar.
Free is the way to go. There are lots of free language podcasts, my husband used those, but made me do all the speaking when we were abroad.
It's worth the small time investment, even if it just affords you catching some words on an announcement or being able to read a plaque in a church.
BTW Spain was the only country we have been to that we really needed to speak a little. Many shop owners and waiters did not speak English.
In Germany, the only person we encountered who didn't speak English was a UPS man. He saw us standing on a corner with a map. He pulled his truck over, got out and asked us what we were looking for (in German). With mostly hand gestures and a map, he showed us where to go, got back in his truck and drove off. We loved that.

 

[christygobar]

When I have planned for European trips in the past, I headed over to podcasts on iTunes. There are some freebies out there that can be really helpful!!

Coffee Break Spanish/French
My Daily Phrase Italian

Just a couple that I have downloaded in the past.

You can go to Podcasts/Education/Language and find a ton of options based on the country you are visiting. It's a good (FREE!) way to pick up some basic travel phrases

 

[TLSnell1981]

dburg30, I actually totally disagree with pjacobi here. I found that every time I attempted to communicate with anyone in Europe in their own language (even if it was just to say "gratzia!" or "merci!") I got no eye-rolling whatsoever and they seemed happy to help me. Between my limited knowledge & whatever English they spoke, we did wonderfully.

Friends of mine who have travelled extensively in Europe told me that Europeans always appreciate you at least trying to speak their language, rather than assuming that they're going to speak yours.

Sayhello

ITA, most do appreciate your efforts. Many Europeans speak some English, but not everyone is fluent...far from it. Learning a bit of the language, can come if very handy and adds to your experience.

abbyjt;38082270]
In Germany, the only person we encountered who didn't speak English was a UPS man. He saw us standing on a corner with a map. He pulled his truck over, got out and asked us what we were looking for (in German). WiJth mostly hand gestures and a map, he showed us where to go, got back in his truck and drove off. We loved that.

It sure helps, knowing a little of the language, when you're playing charades.

 

[TaiTai1]

I used the Mandarin version of RS when we lived in China. I did not find it effective for actually learning the language. I hired a private tutor, which was a great help, especially with the local dialect that I needed to learn. (And the tutors there are very inexpensive.) However, I did find the RS was helpful as a review of what I had already been taught by my tutor. It was like doing homework between my sessions with the tutor. And I'm sure some of you can relate -- that as I get older, I need to have things repeated many more times than I used to!

 

[sayhello]

And I'm sure some of you can relate -- that as I get older, I need to have things repeated many more times than I used to!

I have *NO* idea what you are talking about!

Sayhello

 

[pjacobi]

dburg30, I actually totally disagree with pjacobi here. I found that every time I attempted to communicate with anyone in Europe in their own language (even if it was just to say "gratzia!" or "merci!") I got no eye-rolling whatsoever and they seemed happy to help me. Between my limited knowledge & whatever English they spoke, we did wonderfully.

Friends of mine who have travelled extensively in Europe told me that Europeans always appreciate you at least trying to speak their language, rather than assuming that they're going to speak yours.

Sayhello

As I said, Europeans do appreciate the effort and a "gratzia" or "merci". Europeans just don't want listen to poor grammar, mispronunciations or wait while you look up a word in a dictionary. Most Europeans are far better at English than you will ever be with their language.

Have you ever had somebody speak broken English to you? Recall how awful it is to hear mispronounced words!

Short simple phrases in the local language are far more effective then attempting to learn grammar for complete sentence. For example, "Quanto costa?" and pointing is much more effective than trying to learn to pronounce Italian for "How much is that doggy in the window?"


-Paul

 

[sayhello]

As I said, Europeans do appreciate the effort and a "gratzia" or "merci". Europeans just don't want listen to poor grammar, mispronunciations or wait while you look up a word in a dictionary. Most Europeans are far better at English than you will ever be with their language.

Have you ever had somebody speak broken English to you? Recall how awful it is to hear mispronounced words!

Short simple phrases in the local language are far more effective then attempting to learn grammar for complete sentence. For example, "Quanto costa?" and pointing is much more effective than trying to learn to pronounce Italian for "How much is that doggy in the window?"


-Paul

Nothing awful about it. I don't mind it at all. It's much preferable to hand gestures. I think you're making a HUGE assumption here!

Sayhello

 

[corky441]

Nor do I

I have found one podcast that is so beyond basics it's actually fun to listen too. The "free" section is only a few minutes long, but he can rattle off more Italian that I can believe.
I have also for a few apps for my itouch. I looked for free ones for now. They are definately for beginners and are quite fun

 

[LSmith]

Gotta get my two cents in here.

I live in Toronto which is the melting pot of all countries. I am always in awe that anyone from any other country can speak my language no matter the grammar or pronunciation considering I wouldn't be able to attempt to speak anything other than English.

I certainly would never think to roll my eyes or make fun of someone who could speak broken English when I don't know the first thing about any other language. Not awful at all! These people are intelligent and fully functioning in their own countries. Many are doctors! Who cares if they can't pronounce something??? Even North Americans pronounce things differently.

I always think that many Foreigners (including the taxi drivers here) are far superior beings than I (who can just barely grasp my home language which is considered the hardest language to learn).

I've been to Europe and I am stunned that Europeans can speak so many languages when most North Americans can only speak English.

Ignorance is bliss and I applaud the rest of the world for taking on different languages.

 

[DisneyKevin]

As I said, Europeans do appreciate the effort and a "gratzia" or "merci". Europeans just don't want listen to poor grammar, mispronunciations or wait while you look up a word in a dictionary. Most Europeans are far better at English than you will ever be with their language.

Have you ever had somebody speak broken English to you? Recall how awful it is to hear mispronounced words!

Short simple phrases in the local language are far more effective then attempting to learn grammar for complete sentence. For example, "Quanto costa?" and pointing is much more effective than trying to learn to pronounce Italian for "How much is that doggy in the window?"


-Paul

I could not disagree with you more.

Do you roll your eyes at people that dont speak perfect English?

People are people and if you make the effort, they will respond in kind.

Learn what phrases you can learn and smile. People always respond better to someone smiling

I had a wonderful experience trying to ship something from Orvieto in Italy. A third person got involved trying to translate and it turned into a conversation about where I could view ocean going ships and the man trying to explain to me that ships cant get to the middle of the country. We all ended up laughing when it finally got straightened out.

Try the language, be polite, smile and people will fall over themselves to help you.

 

[pjacobi]

I suggest reading Rick Steves' comments on communicating in Europe:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/leaping.htm

"If you have a trip coming up and don't speak French yet, forget it. It's hopeless. Rather than learning a few more French verbs, the best way to increase your ability to communicate is to master what the Voice of America calls 'Special English.'"....


-Paul

 

[DisneyKevin]

I suggest reading Rick Steves' comments on communicating in Europe:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/leaping.htm

"If you have a trip coming up and don't speak French yet, forget it. It's hopeless. Rather than learning a few more French verbs, the best way to increase your ability to communicate is to master what the Voice of America calls 'Special English.'"....


-Paul

I dont consider Rick Steves to be the Oracle.

He's a bit bland for my tastes.

But to each his own. If he's who you choose to follow....have at it.

My experience tells me that people respond favorably to any attempt to communicate and I prefer to not travel in a "guidebook bubble".

 

[Chropistopy]

I've been enjoying a free podcast (Coffee Break: French) that I've been downloading. Right now it is greetings, introductions, etc. I know that I'm not going to master the language this way but will be able to get some basics. I've also been watching some french movies. It is actually kind of exciting when I understand a phrase...or even just a word...that they are saying.

 

[Diskidatheart]

I suggest reading Rick Steves' comments on communicating in Europe:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/leaping.htm

"If you have a trip coming up and don't speak French yet, forget it. It's hopeless. Rather than learning a few more French verbs, the best way to increase your ability to communicate is to master what the Voice of America calls 'Special English.'"....


-Paul

Never been to France, but know people who have been there and didn't know the language. They still had a great trip. Does it help? Yes. Is it absolutely necessary? No. If you go with ABD, it's definitely not necessary.

 

[SCADC]

We purchased Rosetta Stone Home School edition Russian before our trip to Ukraine to adopt our son. We did learn some words, but the course took longer than we had before our trip.

We did find that in the major cities, most restaurants had menus in English and that everyone was very helpful. Once we were in region and visiting daily at his orphanage, we saw the same people each day at the orphanage and the market and were able to communicate. The locals actually enjoyed practicing their English on us.

I am better at speaking the language and my husband is better reading it. It we were going to the market and looking for something specific, he would go online and look up the word in cyrillic and write it down. He also looked up phrases such as " I do not speak Russian. Can you please write down how much I owe you?" This was a big help in the little open air market with the little babushkas.

I think if you are traveling for pleasure and with a tour group, you will be fine with just a dictionary or pocket translator. We were in Ukraine 6 weeks and only had a translator approximately 10 days and only for our official business.

We plan to do the Rosetta Stone lessons before we return though and would like our son, who is almost 4 to learn along with us.