You seriously remember stuff from primary school? :o

I have a hard job remembering what happened last week half the time

oh I don't disagree with what you have said. he was looking at things through very 'rose tinted glasses' and I've said that a few times through the thread.

The others seemed far more 'switched on' and were far more realistic in what was achievable, and in what timescale. Totally agree.

However, the fact remains: that unrealistic or not: he was, in his own right, able to show more willingness to learn other languages than a great many of those of the same age in the UK. (to the point that he had 4 under his belt: and enough knowledge, enough fluency to be able to at least speak those languages).

But yes, he did certainly have a very skewed idea of how easy a life that would give him.

Sure do!!! And that's not me being flippant, I'm being serious!!

I have a pretty good memory - long and short term. Occasional blips but yep!

Indeed, but it's different for us. People actively want to learn English to better their lives. We don't need to learn another language to better ours

My point precisely..... that we (not you) 'we' as a nation, are lazy, and very arrogant that 'some' feel that we are already 'good' enough. That we don't need to do such things to improve our lives - yet some moan why these foreigners come over and take our jobs etc. (when it is more common place now for companies to want employees who are able to speak more than one language).

When in fact, we aren't. Many other poorer countries - or rather, their people, put us to to absolute shame - so arrogant that we are.

Yeah, it's only a minority than moan though. And it not being arrogant, it's just fact. Why bother learning another language for the sake of it when we have all the opportunities speaking English?

I happen to think it is arrogant - to assume that others will speak English. good god, when going abroad, how often do you hear, " Hotel staff couldn't speak English" "Menus weren't in English, no one understood what we were saying" - all that kind of thing. Foreign travel these days is as common as nipping on the tube just about.

Also for the fact regarding many jobs now as I mentioned earlier.

The attitude of, "Why shoud I bother, let them learn my language - even if I'm visiting their country"....... that's arrogance, it also shows how lazy and assuming many in the UK are - and there are a great many Brits who think exactly like that (imo).

Directly back on topic though: I happen to have a young Polish lad working for me, and he is by far one of the most hard working, respectful, consciencious staff members I have ever had - quick to learn, and as keen as mustard. TBH, he's put staff that have come and gone, to absolute shame: all of whom were your standard very average Brit, who thought the world owed them a living.

I think you're both right. I heard someone saying that a German refused to speak English to him even if he could, because in his country you should speak his language. I find that arrogant. But not giving someone a job for not speaking good English in the UK where the job demands it, is perfectly understandable.

There's another reason for which someone might learn a new language and that's simple pleasure. I know my sister in law was fascinated with Persian poetry and wanted to read them in the original form. She learned the language and ended up pursuing a career in Farsi.

Another problem mentioned before is the schooling system which is catastrophic these days, this rings true for Europe and US alike.

In some cases the Eastern Europeans can be hard working because of their Soviet history where they or their parents had to endure a lot of scarcity while the Brits enjoyed higher standards of living and in time that made them a bit more relaxed.

But I didn't say that though, did I...

Nope, and I didn't say you did.... did I.

I was giving an example only - hence my comment just above that paricular quote which referred to how commonplace foreign travel was..... I was referring to MY reference to that, and not directly attributing it to you.

you said you were going to Spain Pyramid can you speak Spanish then?

I think it depends where you go, some places are worth making an effort more than others.

Any chance you can make comment on the thread topic and sticking to that, or are you doing what you do all the time, trying to make a thread into discussing me personally?

To satisfy your curiosity, Yes, I speak some Spanish - enough to be able to order basic foodstuffs and pass general civilities to the 'natives'.

I also happen to have some knowledge of Latin, but dammit, the Vatican City - I went, tried and they didn't understand . :(

:D

that's the point though.... not many feel it is worth making an effort at all.

how many people even take phrase books abroad etc?, to enter into the spirit of things. Few and far between.

All assumptions based on stereotypes I'm afraid.

I completely disagree and I'm most likely not basing it on stereotypes, nor assumptions but facts and my experience in what I have seen - I travel abroad often enough - usally at least 2 to 3 times a year, and hear enough people complaining of the very things I mentioned earlier. so no assumption, no stereotyping - but very much my comments are based on what I see with my own eyes, hear with my own ears.