When deciding to study overseas or spend a gap semester abroad, language is a crucial factor to consider. While you may know the simplest (and most affordable) ways to stay in contact with loved ones back behind, have you considered how you’ll handle going to places where residents may not understand your language?
How do you plan to network? How would you navigate? How would you inquire for instructions or shop? Consider these few suggestions for managing language obstacles when traveling abroad before you fret excessively. You’ll discover that traveling may be much improved by learning the native language.
So get started on bridging the linguistic gap:
- Perform your research.
You must be familiar with the official primary language of the nation you’re going to before boarding the airline. When visiting cities or villages in countries having over one official language, keep in mind which language is spoken there.
Belgian, French, or German are the primary official languages of a European nation. However, you must be aware that Dutch has become the most common language within the charming city of Brugge. Information like this is essential in helping to interpret what the other person is saying at a minimum.
- Technology usage
The extraordinary thing about our highly connected society is that cell phones provide instant access to whatever information we could need. The sad fact is that there are places where connectivity may be erratic or absent.
Consider using iTranslate, Voice Translator, and Google Translate when you have digital access to these tools. These resources might assist you in comprehending terms and expressions from Welsh into Afrikaans. They might not accomplish it as gracefully as a native speaker who is multilingual, but they typically succeed.
Translating phone calls isn’t a big deal since you discover a Call Recorder app. You can find and install best Call Recorder for iPhone to record and transcribe a call in a foreign language. Then you can easily translate it later using the tools mentioned earlier.
World Lens is yet another excellent Google product. With this program, you may quickly translate printed texts of one language into another without connecting to the internet.
- Pick Up a Few Important Terms / Expressions
Whenever you travel, it’s a good idea to consider picking up a few basic terms/expressions. This is the checklist to try to achieve:
- Hey
- Goodbye
- Please
- Thanks
- Are you an English speaker?
- Bathroom
It at least shows that you’re being nice and are interested in making an effort to connect. If you’re fortunate, you could run into some English speakers, especially in touristy areas like hotels and restaurants.
- Incorporate Context
Context could occasionally be a considerable assistance when your phrases are lacking and the language gap can’t be overcame. A simple illustration is if you approach the front counter of a hotel. Most likely, they are asking something like, “Hello, do you want to check in?” / “How may I be of use to you?” But, again, your identity, a grin, and a gesture could do the trick.
Saying “Hello!” will be preferable. “What language do you tend to speak?” as in regional tongue.
Simplify
Concentrate your language on communicating your ideas. You may ask someone whether they’d like their photo taken, for instance. or “Will you snap my photo?” On the other hand, you might just say, “Picture?” The latter is considerably simpler to comprehend, particularly for non-native speakers.
So, if you simulate snapping the photo while smiling and pointing, they won’t be confused about your intentions. You will have much more success addressing your issues if you make your communication clear and direct, whether you’re speaking in your home tongue or the tongue of the country you are traveling to.
Eliminate Slang
Even if someone can grasp some English, it doesn’t always indicate that they can understand all that is stated. For example, such questions include the “What’s up?” phrase “I’m quite good,” which might be somewhat perplexing for an individual who does not understand English as their first language.
Rather, stick to straightforward, non-slang means of communicating what you intend to convey so that others will find it easier to grasp you.
- Be persistent
Getting across a linguistic barrier might be tricky! It might be not easy to converse if you don’t comprehend or use a language whatsoever. Even if you possess a basic language understanding, it is still difficult.
It may be frustrating for individuals to attempt to deal with this since they place a great deal of disclosure on themselves. So bear in mind that others are striving, regardless of whether you live in the nation where your original language is prevalent. So cut yourself a little slack and offer them a chance.
Conclusion
Learning another language may broaden your perspective, strengthen your resume, enhance your literary style (and perhaps even your vocab!), increase your memory, enable you to interact with newbies, and make you feel trendy enough to educate your loved ones when you get back home.
Which approach do you prefer for language acquisition while transiting? Will you attempt learning on the move or fully commit to a language class for a few weeks?
Whatever route you choose will link you with places, cultures, and individuals from all over the world in a unique way.
