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JCDammeyer's 42 projects

Chicken lights said:
Is there a language barrier, travelling?

I'd only go over for the history, it's probably a tough subject and I'll only get in more trouble. I wouldn't go over to see the alps or other tourist traps
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Yes and no. English is still available at some level depending on the country but most often there will be someone who speaks both that can help.

An example: Back in the early nineties in Germany we were at a market and bought food at a stand. The lady kept trying to tell us something in German. We had no idea. The guy standing beside us (military perhaps) told us she wanted us to return the ceramic plates and cutlery to her after we were done. Not to just leave them on the table.

The boys were 5 and 7 so we weren't appearing like bad guys. Just adults who had no clue.

If you do want lots of English just go to The Netherlands.
 
DavidR8 said:
I spent a week in Graz Austria and the surrounding area and had zero problems with language.
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The Europe of 92-94 is so different from now. Before the Euro. Border crossings with customs. Cross border shopping to Germany to buy Corn Flakes. No such thing as chili powder in the UK. Just crushed chilies which were a lot spicier.
A lot happens in 30+ years.
 
Language was not a barrier unless you are going into smaller towns with little tourism assistance.
In the Swiss Area of the EU you will find German, French, Italian and French is provided along with English translations.
(We found that you if you were stuck, you could photograph a sign and use ‘Google Translate’)
Historical sites have multiple language translations in most cases.

Do a little pre-trip research and learn a couple frequent phrases.
We wore Canadian ‘Label Pins’ and everybody was very welcoming and helpful.
 
jcdammeyer said:
Yes and no. English is still available at some level depending on the country but most often there will be someone who speaks both that can help.

If you do want lots of English just go to The Netherlands.
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It's not that I want English, it's that I need it to function

I don't do well with other languages because it's always so fast. I can't pick up the words to reference what the words are being used for

I don't understand menus from other languages either, it's hit or miss what you're going to get or how to eat it. Guessing how to eat something is annoying
 
Chicken lights said:
It's not that I want English, it's that I need it to function

I don't do well with other languages because it's always so fast. I can't pick up the words to reference what the words are being used for

I don't understand menus from other languages either, it's hit or miss what you're going to get or how to eat it. Guessing how to eat something is annoying
Click to expand...
A while ago we went out for Chinese food at a place we'd never been. They had both an English and Chinese menu. I have an app for my phone that can translate the Chinese. Interesting to read the differences. Likely this is now available for all languages.

AFAIK the AI apps on phones will now also translate spoken sentences to another language. It's much easier than in the past I think.
 
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