So What If You Don’t Speak The Language…

Many travelers avoid destinations where they know if will be difficult to get by because they don’t speak the language.  I think that people shouldn’t worry so much about knowing the language and suggest following these tips when visiting a foreign country.  Abandoning your worries about language will open up a whole new world of travel opportunities!

Yes, travel can be stressful and it is aggravating, difficult and challenging when you don’t know the language.  However, these ideas could help you feel more comfortable when visiting your next foreign travel destination!

Learn Phrases Beforehand – Don’t expect to master French or Italian overnight, no matter what the course or book might tell you. Nevertheless, can learn some important phrases before you embark on your trip.  Memorize high priority phrases such as:

  • Hello, Goodbye and other greetings
  • Thank you
  • Help, Emergency, Hospital
  • Do you have the time?
  • Can you tell me directions to…?
  • Where is the restroom?

It helps to keep a pocket phrase book with you at all times…just in case!

Try An Audio or Computer Course – My husband was amazed at how much Spanish I was able to learn before we went to Costa Rica several years ago.  I picked up an inexpensive travel Spanish CD to use on my computer and it taught me all the basics to get by.  Although pronunciation guides are helpful, it is much better and will likely stick with you if you hear the words spoken.  Pick up an audio CD, add it to your iPod or MP3 player, and practice the foreign language whenever you can!

Make an Attempt To Speak The Language – Most people will appreciate if you attempt to speak their native language.  Try to adopt the attitude that you don’t care if they laugh or if you sound silly.  As long as you are confident, polite and trying your best, no one can resent your efforts!

Stay Calm – Above all, when trying to communicate in a foreign language – it is important to stay calm.  Don’t raise your voice, don’t get upset and keep your patience.  Nobody wants to deal with a panicked traveler babbling in a foreign tongue!

Use Body Language – Even if it feels silly, body language is an effective way to get your point across – and you’d be surprised how often it works.  For simple goals like finding food or the bus station, simple gestures can be very helpful.

Take Along A Pad Of Paper…And Doodle! – Why not carry a notebook with you and sketch simple drawings to help you find your way.  For example, draw a picture of an airplane to ask someone how you get to the airport!  A friend of mine even purchased a set of simple, universal drawings and icons (animals, food items, medical symbols) that he took with him on a recent trip to Asia.  He simply pointed to a picture and was instantly understood!

Consider a Digital Translator – If you like your electronic toys, you might want to pick up an electronic translator.  You type in a simple phrase and get a simple answer.  It’s way faster than a dictionary and especially helpful for people who have already studied the language in question.  Beware though, these provide simple answers and have a limited vocabulary.  Another warning is that some people in poorer countries have been known to resent the person with a foreign language translator because it is an obvious display of wealth.

I hope these ideas help squash any fears you might have about foreign travel.  Visiting countries where you don’t speak the language is exciting and a great learning experience.  I hope you will consider booking your next trip to a locale where you need to learn a new language! 

Bon Voyage!

Posted by on 05/07 at 01:59 PM

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