Originally Posted by janeway
Personally, I do try to learn the local lingo (at least basic words and phrases necessary for travel) prior to visiting a foreign country, in part because it makes my life easier but also because I consider it to be somewhat rude not to, but I guess I'm in the minority.
"Reports out of the United Kingdom say many of its citizens believe US policies and culture are making the world a more dangerous place to live. Some Australians think we're dumb, obese and arrogant; they use the phrase, "Oh, that's so American" as a put-down.
Keith Reinhard, a former international marketing executive, says, American travelers are often at fault for such sweeping stereotypes. Too many have scarce knowledge of and little regard for the cultures and norms they encounter. All too often, they talk down to their hosts."
Taking the 'ugly' out of 'American' in eyes of rest of the world
Aside: Nice handle/location/membership. Live long and prosper. (My AIM name in highschool was mattuvok)
It goes both ways. On the one hand, it is helpful to learn the local customs and basic words to blend in when you're just wandering the streets or performing some extremely basic tasks (buying coffee, asking for the bathroom). It also demonstrates a certain degree of effort, as you said, to compliment the country and culture and move away from the stereotype of the ignorant American.
On the other hand, and I fall into this trap all the time as one who studied Mandarin Chinese for four years in college, depending on where you are and who you're talking to, there's a good chance that "they" speak English better than you speak the local language. In that sense, I've known people who are insulted when you try to speak to them in the local language/go out of your way to utilize their customs as opposed to just letting them be the ones to adapt. Frequently, in China as well as Europe, attempts (and my Chinese is perfectly decent) at speaking to a local in the language resulted in rolling eyes and a "How can I help you?" in English.
Oh well. I guess I'll just have to get completely fluent!