>>One of the benefits of speaking English is there are very few places you wouldn't be able to get by. But to mix with the truly local culture learning the local language is crucial. This also applies in European countries such as Spain France Germany etc. IMHO its always a little sad when ex pats live in a country for decades but make no effort to learn the local language.
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>Indeed, always good for a chuckle those language impaired ex pats...

When my sister moved to France many years ago she deliberately avoided the ex pat community to immerse herself completely so she would be forced to learn French properly. I think she ended up with a Marseille accent.