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by cainxinth 26 days ago
Here's a tip for doing this while traveling: If you need quick help on the street from a stranger in a country where you don't speak the language, don't open by asking if they speak your language. People will almost invariably say no even if they do to avoid the imposition.

Just say "hello/excuse me" in their language and then ask the question in your language. If they speak it, they will often answer you quickly. Sometimes you can even see a look dawn on their face after the fact as they realize you skipped the first step.