nem beszélek magyarul

I don't speak Hungarian.

Today, Julie and I went to a Turkish place for lunch, and when I got to the cashier, I did what I normally do, and say the bare minimum of "good day" and "thank you," while relying on the cash register display to tell me how much money I owe.  The man asked me in English if I spoke Hungarian, and I said no, and he proceeded to lecture me on how I should have told him that so he could have communicated.  I understand that, I guess, but I'm so used to getting by with the basics and not needing anything else because in most cases, the people I interact with do not speak English.

We were told when we came here that assuming people speak English is rude, so I never make that assumption.  I feel uncomfortable using the few words I know because I often get weird looks when I pronounce them incorrectly.

When I was in Paris with Rhaelynn, people would be supportive and helpful with our pathetic attempts to say French words, and I felt comfortable trying.  But here, I don't.  I dread the moments when I am expected to speak the language other than to say "thank you" or "hello," because people seem annoyed at my lack of knowledge of the language.  I don't feel comfortable trying to learn it.  I've even had a couple of people kind of *tsk tsk* at my Americanism, which is disappointing.

With that said, not every encounter with a Hungarian is like this.  I just had lots of awkward moments today and recently.

I wish Marketing didn't overlap with Basic Hungarian.

Oh well.

I go to Prague tomorrow, so I'll be experiencing a different language barrier.  The bus leaves at 7 AM, which means I've got to get up rather early.  It should be fun, but I've got a lot to do tonight.