A Micro Course in European Culture

A number of guidebooks list some of the customs and social idiosyncrasies of the various European countries, to help travelers avoid offending their hosts. In general, this is a good idea, but I sincerely doubt that many travelers will be able to pull a particular custom out of their memory when the occasion demands. The following advice should work in all European countries, and all countries in the world, ror that matter. Ninety-nine percent of it is common sense, but it does bear repeating. I apologize for any tone of self-righteousness, and I admit that I have violated many of these rules myself.

- Never simply speak English to someone and expect them to answer you in English. I find this extremely rude. How would you react if someone visiting your hometown started talking to you in Swedish and expected to be answered? Always ask, in the local Ian-guage, if a person speaks English. If they don’t, say “Thank you” in the local language before moving on.

- Beginning a sentence with “please” will work wonders. “Please, where is the train station?” sounds a whole lot better than “Where is the train station?”

- If you are holding a conversation in English, it is a nice gesture to thank the person for speaking your language, and thereby making the conversation possible. Whenever I have done this it has been appreciated gready by the person I thanked.