You step tentatively into the Netherlands' main airport: Schipol. You stand out a bit from the Europeans. You basically can find your way around (the toilets are called "toiletten" the cafes are called "cafes" etc.) but what do you do when you order a coffee and they expect you to say something in Dutch?
You could say "Hello! I would like a ..." or in other words announcing to the world that you only speak English, OR you could say at least the proper greetings before you confess. You want to, when in another country, to demonstrate respect for the country and customs. If you take the time to learn the proper greetings, you are telling them that you may be an American that only speaks English, but you did take the time to learn their customs somewhat.
Here are a few basic and important greetings.
Hallo! (Hallow) =Hello
Dank U Wel (Donk oo vell)= Thank you! (to an authority or stranger)
Dank ja Wel (Donk yuh Vell)= Thanks (to someone you know well or is younger than you are)
Tot Ziens! (tott zeens)= Goodbye!
Alstublieft (all stew bleeft)= Please, or Your Welcome
You could say "Hello! I would like a ..." or in other words announcing to the world that you only speak English, OR you could say at least the proper greetings before you confess. You want to, when in another country, to demonstrate respect for the country and customs. If you take the time to learn the proper greetings, you are telling them that you may be an American that only speaks English, but you did take the time to learn their customs somewhat.
Here are a few basic and important greetings.
Hallo! (Hallow) =Hello
Dank U Wel (Donk oo vell)= Thank you! (to an authority or stranger)
Dank ja Wel (Donk yuh Vell)= Thanks (to someone you know well or is younger than you are)
Tot Ziens! (tott zeens)= Goodbye!
Alstublieft (all stew bleeft)= Please, or Your Welcome
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