How much....

[Ash.H]

of a foreign langauge should a reenactor be expected to speak if he/she is representing that particular nationality in uniform?

Be interested to hear from you all!

Best Regards,

B

[ROBB]

I would say total fluency ,which can be tricky if you are representing the 19th Chinese sharp spear battalion and you dont speak a word of Chinese ,Rob

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi B, the very least would be to understand orders given in the correct language. The public rarely can speak the language anyway. I am a member of a Russian group, "2nd Guards Rifle Div", and I cannot speak Russian, other than to give basic commands and a few simple phrases.

I have a friend who was a Parachute Regt. Pathfinder Vet in WW2. He has been to several events with me. He loves to speak to the "German" re-enactors in German if possible. He was dissappointed that many could not reply to him.

Cheers, Ade.

[Ash.H]

Hello Ade,

Know the feeling, like your good selves in the 2nd Guards, we in aim to deliver all orders in Russian, found rather than giving direct translations into English for say for example for foot & rifle drill, it's easier to give the instruction in Russian, and then show them the appropriate drill. Why bring English into it!, only complicates matters!

The guys in the group tend to respond quicker because there's actually less to think about! Still very much a learning curve!

I think it's great when German re-enactors speak German, it can really add to a display/impression!

Just my thoughts,

B.