Originally posted by Taike: [b] Learning another language will gain you respect among the locals
Very true! I remember taking a crash course in Arabic......1 week of intensive 16 hour days!........and then went on my export trip to a customer in Jordan, where I had been manytimes before with only english as our common ground.Whilst we were talking, my customer's Aide brought him his lunch on a plate and asked him (in arabic , of course) if he wanted a knife and fork. I picked up on this and asked my customer if he had decided whether he wanted a knife and fork! He was astounded and suddenly really warmed to me and my sales talk!!!! We are all the same. When somebody takes the trouble to say a couple of words in our language, we may sometimes smile at his accent but really appreciate his efforts.!!!
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Great example, Eddie.
When abroad you should adapt to the locals, not the locals to you.