Finally getting to visit the Eiffel Tower? Will you be taking a gondola through the canals of Venice? These trips are the stuff dreams are made of … but how enjoyable will they be if you don’t speak the language?
While it’s a lofty goal to try to learn another language before your travels, it’s not always possible. Fortunately, there are some easy ways for overcoming language barriers.
1. Learn Some Key Phrases
Hours of audio books or even expensive classes might help you learn another language, but a lack of time or money can nix these options. Don’t pressure yourself to learn an entire language before your vacation. Instead, just make sure you know some handy phrases that will help you talk to the locals and navigate foreign lands. Hammer those helpful sentences home, and by the time you’re abroad, the new language will feel like second nature. (Or at least, asking where the bathroom is will!)
2. Use Translation Apps
If you’re tech-savvy, check out some handy translation apps that will make learning another language both fun and easy. Whether you’re an auditory or visual learner, there is a translation app that will cater to you. Some apps will even pronounce the phrases for you so you can mimic the inflections and emphasis on certain words. Download a couple of these language apps onto your smartphone today!
3. Keep It Simple
Sure, you would love to string together line after line of eloquent French, but if you don’t know the language … well, that’s going to be difficult. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t ask too much of yourself. Instead of trying to speak in long, precise phrases, stay simple and direct instead. For instance, instead of saying, “Where is your toilet, please?” Just use one-word questions (“Toilet?”). You won’t win any oratory awards, but you’ll take some pressure off yourself while still getting the point across.
4. Know Some Internationally Recognized Words
In America, we bandy around the word “vacation” without a second thought; however, if you say that word in Europe, you might be met with a confused face. That’s because in Europe, “holiday” is the word of choice. Before you go, do a little research into the language’s equivalent of some popular Americanized words.
Don’t fret over language barrier woes anymore. You have more important things to think about — like the exciting trip you’re about to take. With a little preparation, you’ll be rubbing elbows with the locals in no time.
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