Questions tagged [languages]

For forms of written or verbal communication with people of other cultures. Consider tag [language-barrier] and for one or more specific languages consider the tags listed in the tag info here instead .

Methods/forms of communication through spoken or written word in other languages, problems with this, translation and so on. How to write, how to read, how to speak and how to understand are all applicable.

In addition to and specific language tags presently in use include:

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In what language should I address foreign customs and immigration?

I'm an American traveling to Central America for the first time this summer. I'll be entering Costa Rica and Panama. My Spanish is pretty good, but not native, and I wouldn't mind using it, but as a general rule, should I try to address the border…
Æzor Æhai -him-
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Is it rude to speak Swedish in Norway?

I speak Swedish quite well, but my active Norwegian is very basic, although I can understand most of it if I concentrate. I'm aware Norwegians can usually/always understand Swedish. I'm told Norwegians and Swedes may have conversations in which…
gerrit
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As a native English speaker, which two further languages would give me the most travel utility worldwide?

This follows on from a travel conversation a group of us had in a hostel in London. Assuming I am travelling randomly between countries and continents, which two languages in addition to English would provide the most usefulness in any given…
Venture2099
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What does YCWCYODFTRFDTY mean?

In several outback pubs in central Australia, including Cadney Homestead (below) and Stuarts Well Roadhouse, there's a prominent sign at the bar with the cryptic message "YCWCYODFTRFDTY": What does this mean? And I'll save you the trouble: at time…
lambshaanxy
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What's the best way to signal that I'd prefer to be served in English?

I'm traveling in an area where bilingualism - specifically, English - is extremely common. As in, I'm yet to meet someone who doesn't speak pretty good English in the two months I've spent here (across many trips). This is a lifesaver, because I…
LessPop_MoreFizz
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Which Norwegian language to learn?

I'm taking a short trip to Norway next year and while doing a bit of research I've been thoroughly confused by which language to learn. Wikipedia goes into great depth about 3-4 different languages, but Google Translate just lists Norwegian As I'll…
MorayM
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What is the main spoken language in Kiev: Ukrainian or Russian?

I'm aware that there are both native Ukrainian and Russian speakers among Ukrainians, with the west being more Ukrainian-speaking and the east/south more Russian-speaking. What about Kiev today? I suppose the vast majority is bilingual as in most of…
Crazydre
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Which language(s) is most useful for backpacking Africa?

I'm looking to backpack Africa in a few years, so I'd like to start learning a language that would the most useful/widely spoken. There are a few conditions I've conjured up though: the language should be spoken where English is not commonly…
TheRealFakeNews
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Do many Japanese people speak Korean?

I'd like to go to Japan but I can't speak Japanese. But I'm fluent in Korean. I know that many Korean people can speak Japanese, but can Japanese people also speak Korean?
Maejoon
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How much Russian do I need to know for travelling within Russia?

Or alternatively - how well-spoken (and widely-spoken) is English? I intend to visit St. Petersburg, Moscow, Irkutsk and Vladivostok. I feel like I might have the most troubles in the latter two cities. Should I be able to read the Cyrillic…
victoriah
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Language problems at the airport?

I have a family member who speaks Romanian but not English, French or any other world language. If she flies alone, how can she pass through the control points (immigration, customs) at the airport? Would it work if she brings a sheet with…
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Is there a practical point in learning foreign words while travelling?

It is frequently advised for travelers to learn the basic vocabulary in whatever is the local language in the country they're visiting. The reasons usually given are: It can help in situations where the other persons knows zero/little English It…
JonathanReez
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Can you really get around everywhere with only speaking English?

I had a discussion with a friend on how many language one should learn to be able to be understood worldwide? My estimate would be with around 4-5 languages, but this is a gut feeling which I cannot verify. My friend was really firm in his…
user141
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Distinguishing Tamil speakers from Sinhalese speakers in Sri Lanka

When in Sri Lanka I would like to use a few words of either Tamil or Sinhalese with the locals. How can I tell which language I should try? Are there cultural appearances that I can go from? Of I get it wrong would anyone be offended? If so I could…
WW.
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Is it okay to mix in local language when I know it poorly?

I'm traveling to Finland for a week and mostly doing touristy things. I've been excited and decided to learn some Finnish for fun. I know everyone there is going to know English better than I learn in a couple weeks when casually using Duolingo. I'd…
yesennes
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