Reply #10: Learning how to understand and communicate first makes the rest easy [View All]

Most learning methods, maybe even all of them focus too much on sentence structure than communication, understanding and making yourself understood. I can personally guarantee anyone and everyone that you are not going to offend or insult someone in a foreign country by being a foreigner and making mistakes speaking their language. It is very complimentary to them and very endearing that you are putting that much effort and respect into being a guest in their country and they will go out of their way to help you. Most even speak English and love the chance to use it.

But I cannot tell you how many times in Germany and in Spain I would hear some asshole tourist or military member shout, "Doesn't anybody here speak f**king english?" The same type that demand that everyone learn english if they come here to "their" country.