English is among the most widely spoken languages globally. Hence, native speakers often embark on journeys abroad, assuming they can rely on their mother tongue as effortlessly as at home. However, this assumption doesn’t always hold. Travelers might encounter unexpected situations where English is not practical to use.
For instance, you will be shocked by the number of Berlin shopkeepers, baristas, and servers who don’t speak English. Thankfully, your familiarity with a few essential words and phrases can help you place restaurant orders and locate an ATM. This experience underscores the value of being prepared to communicate in different languages and adapting to various linguistic situations while traveling.
Even in cases where locals are proficient in English, they genuinely value travelers who have tried to understand their country, language, culture, and traditions.
Here are seven straightforward approaches to effectively navigating the language barrier while traveling alone:
1. Prepare in Advance
Before your departure, familiarize yourself with the official languages of the country you’ll be visiting. If traveling to a country with multiple official languages, be attentive to the primary language in the specific cities or regions you intend to explore.
For instance, consider the case of Belgium, a European nation with three official languages—Dutch, French, and German. If you’re headed to the charming town of Brugge, understanding that Dutch is predominant is crucial. Conversely, French is the primary language in Belgium’s capital city, Brussels, which is surrounded by Dutch-speaking regions.
These tasks may seem overwhelming at first. However, once you get the hang of them, it’ll be as easy as counting.
2. Master Key Phrases
Before the European Union era, English was less universally spoken than it is now. It was especially true when you ventured beyond the major capital cities and into the European countryside. To address language barriers effectively and ensure you are culturally respectful rather than appearing as an oblivious tourist, you should grasp a few essential phrases in the local language.
Another language barrier travel tip is to learn fundamental expressions such as “yes,” “no,” “thank you,” and “where is the restroom” from compact phrasebooks. While traditional phrase books still serve their purpose, modern-day globetrotters have the advantage of resources like Babbel and Rosetta Stone to aid them on their language-learning journey.
3. Articulate Clearly and Calmly
When you encounter someone who speaks English, consciously converse deliberately and clearly, utilizing simple vocabulary. Avoid employing slang and refrain from raising your voice to bridge language gaps.
English’s widespread global use owes much to the legacy of the British Empire. While Americans enjoy the advantage of English as an international lingua franca, many English speakers outside of the US have been taught the nuances of the Queen’s English.
4. Embrace Technology
The advantage of our interconnected world is that you can access a wealth of information through your smartphones whenever needed. However, the downside is that connectivity can be unreliable or nonexistent in certain parts of the globe.
If you can access digital tools, consider utilizing options like iTranslate, Voice Translator, or Google Translate. These tools can assist you in comprehending words and phrases across a wide array of global languages, from Afrikaans to Welsh. While they might not provide the finesse of a bilingual native speaker, they are usually effective in achieving the task.
One of the best language hacks for solo travel is using a remarkable tool from Google known as World Lens. This application enables you to take a photo of printed text and instantly translate it from one language to another, all without requiring an active network connection.
5. Keep the Traditional Approach Handy
Books remain relevant even if your smartphone battery falters. For those unexpected situations when your smartphone’s battery is drained, or network connectivity is unavailable, it’s wise to have a traditional backup like a phrasebook or pocket dictionary. These items don’t occupy much space and serve as handy tools to rely on for essential phrases in the local language, such as:
- Where can I find the _____?
- I want to order _____.
- How much does the _____ cost?
Another option is to carry cards containing crucial phrases or important information translated into the local language. This approach proves particularly advantageous for travelers with medical conditions or food allergies. Someone with Celiac disease can conveniently depend on gluten-free dining cards in over 60 languages. Someone on a strict diet can easily show cards inquiring about beef jerky stick calories. These cards can effectively communicate their dietary restrictions while traveling internationally.
Consider this story: Parents once equipped their teenage daughter with translated cards when the 16-year-old embarked on a solo journey from Paris to Kansas City to spend the summer with a friend. The parents had a collection of index cards their daughter could mix and match to communicate with Americans in the US before reaching her destination. Her cards included phrases like
- I am traveling alone, and my English is limited.
- Could you assist me in getting my connecting flight to Kansas City?
- Please call Mira Joe in Kansas City at 913.XXX.XXXX?
Always carry a pen and notebook when traveling. This simple gesture ensures that you can continuously add to your notecards, dictionary, or phrasebook as circumstances demand.
6. Utilize Visual Communication: A Thousand Words in a Picture
Don’t underestimate the power of photos, sketches, and icons to overcome language barriers. You can use an array of products like t-shirts, caps, tote bags, and phone cases adorned with icons that you can point at to communicate globally. Fellow globetrotters swear by emojis as an effective tool for bridging language gaps.
7. Stay Attentive To Non-Verbal Cues
Even if you possess a fundamental grasp of the local language, differences in non-verbal communication can still lead to understanding and clarity. This communication realm encompasses personal space, facial expressions, and hand gestures, which can exhibit significant variations from one country to another.
In the US, a smile is a universally warm and welcoming gesture extended freely to everyone. However, in Japan, American smiles can lead to perplexity. The Japanese culture tends not to express emotions outwardly. A smile might signal anger, sadness, or embarrassment rather than joy or friendliness.
Meanwhile, in Russia, people reserve their smiles for genuine moments of happiness or when greeting familiar individuals. Smiling at a stranger is seen as insincere and impolite in their social norms.
When Americans nod their heads upward and downward, it signifies agreement or a positive affirmation. Yet a single nod in an upward direction in Greece, Turkey, and neighboring countries conveys the opposite message—it means “no.”
Americans commonly use thumbs-up and okay hand gestures as universally recognized symbols of agreement and positivity. However, these gestures carry highly offensive and impolite connotations in various parts of the world.
Hence, consider toning down that ever-present American grin, keeping your hands by your side, and taking the initiative to grasp how to express “yes,” “no,” “please,” and “thank you” in the local languages of the country you’re visiting.
Explore the World Better By Mingling With the Locals
One of the best ways to explore and enjoy a new location is by mingling with the locals. With this, you get to appreciate their culture, perspective, and ways of life. You can do this better if you understand them as they speak their local language. You don’t have to be an expert at it. It’s enough that you know words and phrases that can foster positive connections.
Indeed, coping with language barriers on a solo trip may be challenging. However, if you make new friends and learn new things, everything will be worth it.
