Travelling the world can be an unforgettable adventure, but at some point, linguistic problems will inevitably arise. There are techniques to ensure that people understand you even if it isn’t always possible for you to master the language of every country you visit. Fortunately, travel doesn’t call for fluency. You can travel without knowing the local language if you have a few useful tools and the willingness to occasionally seem foolish.
Here are some pointers to help.
1. Learn polite phrases
Make a list of terms and expressions you can use even if you never become fluent in the language, such as “Do you speak English?” and “Please, thank you.” “Excuse me, I don’t speak (name of language),” is probably something you’ll learn by heart. Learn how to say “hi” in a polite way. Many languages have formal and informal greetings; if you use the wrong one, you might come out as a little disrespectful.
2. Be careful with hand gestures
Even while hand gestures are generally comparable in most Western nations, they may be considered offensive in other nations. For instance, giving someone the “thumbs up” in the Middle East, a better portion of Africa, and Greece is considered rude. Find out what gestures are impolite in the nation you are visiting.
3. Plan ahead
It’s important to know that if you’re planning to go sightseeing, you may book reservations and buy tickets online beforehand. You can conveniently arrange your trip to a foreign country while also avoiding the language barrier. When travelling to a foreign country, it’s a good idea to Google the best places to eat. Additionally, this allows you to try a few local recipes and learn the names of your dishes before the trip. You even plan meals for a balanced diet during your vacation.
4. Connect with locals
The people you meet in the area will be your best resource. In your daily interactions, whether you’re ordering food at a restaurant or chit-chatting with a new acquaintance, language exchange is a given. You can make these discussions as informal or formal as you like; ideally, you’ll have a mix of both. While more formal interactions can help you acquire grammar, informal interactions are helpful for picking up slang and street jargon.
5. Use a language-translating app
You probably won’t be able to learn a completely new language in time for your upcoming vacation, but you can make it simpler for yourself by downloading a translator app to your phone. Even though Google Translate is far from flawless, it’s useful for brief phrases that you might find difficult to remember. It generally functions as a modern phrasebook, and when used in conjunction with a literal phrasebook, it may be made much more precise.
Once more, preparation is needed for this solution! For offline translation, download the app and the language pack before your trip in case you don’t have access to cellular service. Learn some of the words and phrases you’ll probably use frequently while flying, such as “thank you” and “where is the bathroom?”
