The visitor who is not a native speaker of English may experience difficulty in understanding connected and extended speech especially if spoken in the street with an unfamiliar local accent. Do not burst into tears or start waving your arms and saying "Stop! Stop! I don't understand. Please speak clearly in standard English, without swallowing your words." Such a reaction may damage international relations. In order not to appear rude (or silly) you should listen attentively to the native speaker with the lively appearance of understanding everything that is being said. The British are mostly very helpful people and they enjoying giving directions to strangers. Because of the complexities of our town planning these directions are not always correct. But as you are unlikely to understand anyway, it doesn't really matter. The important thing is that you have made contact with a member of the British public!





Expressions to learn
I see. Right. Got it. OK.

Avoid saying
Come on, admit it - you don't know where it is!