Foreigners in Hungary - Breaking the language barrier

Impeded communication between Hungarians and the world

Foreigners in Hungary - Breaking the language barrier

Learning languages in Hungary appears to be a must. For the huge majority of Hungarians it is evident: we have to make ourselves understood in the European Union to be successful - as a country, and as individuals as well. But while we try to achieve things in Europe, we often fail to grow up to those same expectations in our home, making it necessary for foreigners to learn Hungarian, too. Let's take Budapest, for example. There are numerous occasions when you see foreigners having difficulties because they don not speak Hungarian - or from their point of view, because some of the natives do not care about speaking languages besides of their own. Despite the usual language requirements - because most companies expect their employees to speak at least English or German on a certain level - many ticket controllers, security guards, and other people a foreigner could easily meet still do not have the practice to respond properly - or in worse cases, to respond at all.

There is hardly a solution: those who do not feel the need, will not learn, and we cannot really expect a whole continent to learn to speak Hungarian just because of that. Thus, if we ever get to Europe, probably the same thing will happen as nowadays on the streets: some of us will (literally) use gestures and strange grimaces to communicate with our new neighbours. This is funny to a certain point - but then again, if you see it too many times, it becomes embarrassing. Budapest airport transfer Budapest Statue Park Budapest taxis Traffic in Budapest Parking in Budapest Parking permit in Budapest Parking in Budapest - Parking fines Parking in Budapest - Wheel locks Budapest synagogues reading list Caves in Hungary Szentendre Hungarian embroidery An American prisoner in Hungary Budapest - A tale of three cities Foreigners in Hungary - The Americans