Intercultural Difference at Stiegl-Keller

What specific intercultural difference or similarity has been most striking for you at first impression, and why? Provide specific details about the experience AND your reflection on how and why it impacted you.

    The most striking intercultural difference that I have experienced in Salzburg occurred when I went with a group of classmates to Stiegl-Keller after touring Fortress Hohensalzburg. We were all nervous walking into the restaurant as none of us really knew how to speak German. I looked up on the internet how to ask for a table for five in German, but I also realized that I should probably let the host know that we are English speakers so that he can assign us to a waiter that speaks English as well. I walked up to the host and asked "sprechen sie English?" to which he replied, "Ya, do you speak Deutsch?". I very quickly stated "Ya, but very little" which made me realize a striking intercultural difference between America and Austria regarding our respective languages. In America we expect every tourist to learn English because that is the most common language and typically most people only know English. In America, if a tourist walks up to a person speaking a different language the most common response would be "sorry, I only speak English". However, most American tourists expect the people where they're visiting to know the English language, especially throughout Europe. In Europe, most people know how to speak English and even if they are not proficient, it's still sufficient enough to understand one another. This led me to realize the intercultural difference that Americans expect others to know their language but are not willing to learn the language of where they're visiting.

    This interaction at Stiegl-Keller largely impacted my thoughts regarding European views of American culture. At first, I was confused as to why Europeans have displeasure towards American tourists. However, now I can somewhat understand why Europeans get frustrated with American tourists and their language speaking abilities. This interaction with the host at Stiegl-Keller also influenced me to practice my German while ordering my meal and later that night at the hotel. Before the start of this trip, I thought that I was sufficient in my general knowledge of the German language, but this interaction made me realize that I must continue to practice so that I may become not just sufficient but exceptional. 

The authentic Viennese schnitzel that I

had at Stiegl-Keller. I had a little difficulty

ordering this meal in the German language,

but I wanted to practice ordering in German

although the waiter spoke English.

The English/German menu outside of 

Stiegl-Keller. I thought it was a good idea

to take a picture of this menu before we

got inside in case the menus inside were

only offered in German. I found it 

interesting that they only had English as

the second language on the menu instead

of any other language such as French or

Italian.