l Dear Editor, It is true that language has a great deal to do with the service one gets from a shop, (Viewpoint Tuesday December 3) but too often it's the attitude of both the customer and the shop assistant which affects any sale.
Many times we have watched, as you did Mr. Moore, a 'foreigner' trying to communicate with a native. Trouble is, once again, neither we, nor the Germans take enough trouble to speak the local lingo. Nor, in fairness, have many of the natives got much English or German.
But, when both parties have the desire, progress is always made. It takes two to tango! The two little words 'por favor' are a good start.
Richard Harding
OXFORD