Mar
10
In Rome and Greece will I be completely lost only speaking english?
ByI am traveling outside the US for the first time (besides going to Mexico in kindergarden) with school. Our teacher said that most of the time we will be with a tour guide but we will have a few hours in the afternoon just wandering around. I know a little spanish and latin and a few words in italian… Will I be completely lost or do most people speak a little english? Thanks!
6 Comments
March 10th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I haven’t been to Greece, but I have been to Rome. I found that in most places the people know at least a small amount of English. You should pick up an Italian phrase book – use it when you want to talk to someone. You can show them the words in Italian if you don’t want to try pronouncing them – but don’t worry too much. It’s a wonderful city and the people I met were very friendly and helpful. I hope you have a great time!
March 10th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
In rome, you will find a slight amount of difficulty, because rome is so over publicized, but in greece, you may have a medium amount because its a much less commercialized country, i suggest bringing a phrase book for greek, and possibly italian.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Don’t worry, you won’t be lost!
In Greece, especially Athens, many of the people know English…some are even fluent when it comes to speaking [not so much on pronunciation] Generally, they are also very very friendly people, so if you have questions feel free to ask. If you feel inclined, Google some ‘basic’ words you would want to know [i.e. store, sea, boat, whatever it is]
In Rome, many do speak English also, however it may be a tad bit more difficult to communicate…really though, you’ll be fine.
And lastly, I just wanted to let you know that you’ll love the trip! Don’t worry so much about the language, there are plenty of maps/directories available because both spots are such popular tourist attractions.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
You will be able to get along with a few simple phrases and some sign language. I found very little trouble finding SOMEONE who spoke a little english, when in Rome, and I’m pretty sure the same is true of Greece, though there are TONS of people who don’t speak any real English, and some who refuse to understand you. I’m guessing you are in High School, I would advise staying with a buddy at all times. Just to be on the safe side. Italian men, when they choose to be, can be a bit obnoxious, and having a buddy will give you an edge.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
I toured Greece for a month two summers ago and people spoke at least a little English (or understood it) in most places we went to, but especially in Athens. So you should be fine. The younger generation tends to speak much more English than the older generations who spoke very little or virtually none. At times I had to go with signs or even German on one occasion (that was just weird).
But Greece is such a big tourist destination that you’ll most likely find people speaking English almost everywhere – at least in all tourist offices. When in real trouble, look for younger people.
As for Rome, if you already know a bit of Italian, you should try to use it – but again Rome is so touristy that you’ll likely find people who speak minimal English almost everywhere you go.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
You won’t be lost – but you might need a cooler tour guide in Rome
like those at http://Viamigo.com