How important is knowledge of the language on a first visit to Ukraine?

[cppd508]

One a first trip to Ukraine, how important is knowledge of the Ukrainian/English languages?  I would like to try and visit there sometime in the fall, but have no knowledge of either language.  A friend from Bulgaria, said in Bulgaria it is nice to know the language, but not necessary, because there are normally English speaking people around that can assist you.  He said he was not familiar with Ukraine though.  Curious to hear some thoughts from some of people that have visited there.

[RussianWind]

Of course you gonna die from starvation without knowing a word in Ukrainian 

It reminds me a story with my collegue. She speaks no languages and she planned a trip to France. Her friend knew a little of French, something very primitive. He wrote her few simple lines on bits of papers. So when she wanted to have coffee, she went to a cafe and showed one of her lines to a bartender.

Hold your chairs tight, it was written: "Madam wants coffee" 

[Gylden]

"One a first trip to Ukraine, how important is knowledge of the Ukrainian/English languages?  I would like to try and visit there sometime in the fall, but have no knowledge of either language."

I would highly recommend learning at least English before your trip, Ukrainian probably won't be necessary, but could be helpfull.
 

RussianWind,

 

[Jooky]

She speaks no languages.

Now that's the kind of wife I'm looking for! Please introduce me! 

[Shadow]

It does not matter which language you speak as long as you manage to find someone who speaks the same.

[Gylden]

cppd508,

OK sorry to poke a little fun (the forum is a little playfull today). I assume you mean you don't speak Russian or Ukrainian.
It isn't normally a problem to speak just English, of course it depends on everyone individually.
Have you ever been of the country before?

[cppd508]

Sorry, about my sloppy typing, that was meant to be Ukrainian/Russian.  I'll take the jokes though, I am a newbie after all.      
Glyden, I have been to places like Canada and Caribbean, but don't think that really rates as traveling outside the country.

[commanche]

Hey man, Im an Aussie living in Nikolaev Ukraine, and from my experience I can say learning a little Russian before I came was a tremendous help. I like my independence so I dont like someone having to do everything for me, for the first week my boss had to help me with everything, but now using the Russian I have learnt I can get around fine, communicate with people etc... I suppose it depends on where your going but in Nikolaev, you need a little Russian.

[RussianWind]

cppd, some misunderstanings will happen, don't worry, it's normal

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_N1Cmt_QB0[/youtube]

[Vaughn]

cppd508,

  Although you will depend on others to translate at times (or ALL the time), it would be
helpful to know some phrases. Learning the alphabet is your first step, as it will enable you
to read simple signs, like

БАР = BAR
РЕСТОРАН = RESTAURANT
КАФЕ = CAFE
ТАКСИ = TAXI

There are some good lessons and links in the RWDPedia (Wiki) section at the upper right.

[myrddin]

One a first trip to Ukraine, how important is knowledge of the Ukrainian/English languages?  I would like to try and visit there sometime in the fall, but have no knowledge of either language.

You've got about 7 months, probably enough time to learn at least some basic words.  Heck, even I was able to scrape together a few words in that time, and I've got mental foreign language blocks bigger than the Great Wall of China. 

Make an effort.  It's not necessary, but it will be appreciated.  And in about 7 months, a normal person can learn enough to get by solo in many situations.

[XMan]

I was very proud to:
First, apologize for my poor Russian speaking ability. 
Second, say "I want ice cream, please." 
(Insert theme from Rocky.) 

Somehow being able to say "Big hungry elephant" never came in handy. 
So I would recommend more important things. 
Like, "Where is the toilet?" 
Things you might want to buy at the grocery -- milk, cheese, chocolate, bread, bottled water.  I'm not much of a beer or wine drinker, so of course those words I learned easily, since I didn't need them. 
Learning some numbers is not a bad idea either. 
"Please and Thank You."  Handy. 
"Maybe later."  One of my favorites.  I think because it actually has sort of an Italian inflection, and was easy to remember.  In fact, I waited for the opportunity to say it, and pounced on it when it happened.   

When I asked if she would like something to drink now, she was rather impressed.
A nice side benefit. 
Well, she was impressed until she asked for something I didn't know.  (Heck, I knew wine, beer, milk, tea, coffee, and juice.  Sheesh.) 
It's worth the mind numbing, pound your forehead on the table efforts to pick some things up (IMO). 
If learning a language is easier for you, then definitely put forth the effort to learn some basics.

[cppd508]

Thanks for the posts everyone.