hey reddit, if someone doesn't speak your language, are they screwed in your country? What are the "I am hoping we can communicate but I'm a foreigner" rules where you are from?
Posted Jul 19, 2019, 5:04 AM UTC
18
Not too bad, really. I'm Canadian (English and French), so providing you understand like, basic systems (paying for items, bussing/driving, etc.) you can probably get by with Googling in your native language. Not sure about more rural areas but where I am there are translators available for Service Canada, though you'd probably have to wait for them to be free if you need specific services.
2
I'm from the United States, I would say it depends on what language this person is speaking. If they're speaking Spanish, they should be fine, if they're speaking Vietnamese or Chinese, they'll have some issues, but the communities here-where I live, at least- seem large enough where people could help them get around. Anything else, they might be screwed.
2
I stayed in Germany without knowing the language and I communicated in english and some 30+ people told me a few times that I should learn the language. That's was pretty rude to be honest. One of those people later visited my country and didn't bother to learn anything except for the proper word for 'beer' and 'fuck'.
2
If you're in a red state speaking something other than English and you aren't white, expect dirty looks. You can find someone who speaks Spanish fairly easily, though.
1
Shout louder and louder until they understand English
1
for example, when I visit France, - I say in french "I'm sorry I don't speak french. Do you understand Italian or english?" and then the french person will either say yes they understand Italian or English or they don't understand.
I try to say "excuse me" first and hope I sound polite. Would this work where you are from?
1
Depends if they want a decent paying job.
1
Depends on where exactly you are. There are pockets of immigrants spread across the US, and some states are more accepting of foreigners than others. In my state, I think you'd be fine overall, but you'd probably have to work very hard and be otherwise exemplary.