Dear Priscilla,
well with all my experience (and also at "home" expectations towards other visitors and expats alike...)
It is more than just a sign of respect towards your guest country, most of all you help yourself speaking the local language - in all respect whether it be shopping / informational requests / dealing with official matters and also social,... Unless your speak the language at least in basic terms, it is very hard to become familiar and feel at ease.
