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Languages on holiday?

Having travelled over most of Europe, the one thing that has been of great benefit is that of learning a few words of that Country's language wherever one travels.

Consider this point:- You are approached in the street by a foreigner who is obviously asking you something in his own language.

On the same day you are aproached by another foreigner who makes an effort to say a few words of English.

Who are you going to be more inclined to help?

It is not rocket science that you should reverse the process whenever you travel abroad. It is not necessary for you to become fluent, but if you learn to say the pleasantries such as ‘Please' and ‘Thank You', also ‘Good Morning' or ‘Good Day', and if you want say help with directions those pleasantries will take you a long way (no pun intended).

It has been said that if you shout loud enough you will be heard, but this is far from the reality.

So, when you are planning that trip to the Continent - don't forget the little phrase book. Believe me - it works.

Article by Frank Hiscox