This isn't the case for the most part. It is easier to avoid learning a second language since so many people speak some english and doesn't make bilingualism such an important educational facet like it might in other regions.
But on the individual level, being an english speaker can make it harder. I'm living in Norway. I've had a couple years of immersive language classes. Most of the population speaks English, and many assume to simply use that when speaking to me. The accent and all. Some Norwegians don't see the point of an english speaker learning the language here. A fair amount of the popular music is in English, even Norwegian bands. Television? Childrens tv is dubbed, but a lot of adult television is English with subtitles. Advertisements? half and half. Telemarketers? Often english speaking.
Some books never get translated. Right now, I'm shopping around for a Norwegian copy of The Hitchhiker's Guide. Luckily it is available in Norwegian: Unluckily, it doesn't translate as well so it is a little different. And I'll probably have to order it. The local comic store, where I would normally buy sci-fi or fantasy, mostly sells English books.
Yet for all this, I'm highly motivated. It is really hard to be a part of normal society without Norwegian because this is what folks use in their everyday life. Not everyone here is strong in English, especially older folks. Some workplaces are in English, especially in the tech field, but many aren't. I'm not in the tech field, so learning it is. I'm getting there slowly :)
But on the individual level, being an english speaker can make it harder. I'm living in Norway. I've had a couple years of immersive language classes. Most of the population speaks English, and many assume to simply use that when speaking to me. The accent and all. Some Norwegians don't see the point of an english speaker learning the language here. A fair amount of the popular music is in English, even Norwegian bands. Television? Childrens tv is dubbed, but a lot of adult television is English with subtitles. Advertisements? half and half. Telemarketers? Often english speaking.
Some books never get translated. Right now, I'm shopping around for a Norwegian copy of The Hitchhiker's Guide. Luckily it is available in Norwegian: Unluckily, it doesn't translate as well so it is a little different. And I'll probably have to order it. The local comic store, where I would normally buy sci-fi or fantasy, mostly sells English books.
Yet for all this, I'm highly motivated. It is really hard to be a part of normal society without Norwegian because this is what folks use in their everyday life. Not everyone here is strong in English, especially older folks. Some workplaces are in English, especially in the tech field, but many aren't. I'm not in the tech field, so learning it is. I'm getting there slowly :)