Do you speak English? Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Parla Italiano?
It’s lovely to be able to communicate in a foreign language. Truly ‘the limits of our language are the limits of our world‘(Ludwig Wittgenstein).
Knowing the lingo can open so many doors. Just a few words can make a huge difference when travelling.
Suddenly the tourist is turned local and respected at that. But even more so when he expresses genuine respect and interest in the local culture, while of course expecting the same in return.