General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: So, Trump, the "laughingstock," is on his way here to Europe. Here's my take on what is going on: [View all]DFW
(54,437 posts)Although Americans are everywhere, few of us bother to learn the languages of the countries they visit. With me, at any rate, when they know they can comfortably speak in their own language--or at least in the language of their adopted country--to an American who is willing to give his frank opinion on whatever is on their minds (mostly Trump these days), it's rare that a conversation doesn't spring up. As tourists, no one realistically expects the average American to be fluent in Dutch, Catalan or Swedish--or even French or German for that matter. Therefore, the conversation is limited to the level of knowledge of English of the local. As I travel for work (mostly), I have to know the local languages of the countries I visit. Anyone who visits them as often as I do and DOESN'T learn those languages is an idiot. I still work with people, not machines.