I was recently in Athens and Barcelona, and while I easily got by with English, not speaking the local languages made me feel a little out of place. There’s a distinct discomfort that comes with not understanding the language of the country you’re visiting. Of course, it’s absolut OK and I tried at least to say Thank you in the local language. But although I found it a bit odd, I still hoped they would speak English to me. Nevertheless, it somehow felt a bit strange.
I don’t expect anyone to learn a language just for a short holiday; in that case, knowing a few phrases or words is usually enough. However, things change if you plan to stay longer or visit frequently. That’s why I started learning Tagalog. I have personal connections there and know for sure that I’ll be traveling to the Philippines more often and spending more time there. For me, learning the language is a sign of respect, which naturally includes understanding the culture. I want to be able to express my thoughts and needs in a simple way.
