Don't Language Get in The Way: Overcoming Language Barriers

One of the most common problems tourists encounter when going on a tour all over the world is the language barrier. This is the most common fear of people when going to a foreign country. Lucky for you, you can easily close this language gap. All you need to do is to follow the tips given below and you can kiss the language barrier good bye!

 Try to learn some of the most commonly used phrases. You do not have to be an expert in foreign language in order to get through your out of the country tips. You do not have to memorize all their words. However, you need to know a few important phrases that can help you carry on your trip. Some of the important phrases you should try and know may include-- 'Hello', 'Thank you', 'Please' as well as 'Excuse me'. Also, you must learn how to ask directions using foreign language. You must also be knowledgeable about the foreign words that are used for directions such as-- 'turn left, right, and the likes'. In this way, you can be able to get to where you are going without knowing how to complete a whole sentence.

 Try to speak phrases in foreign language, even if it makes you feel stupid. Most people try to speak to locals in English even though they know a few foreign phrases. Why is this so? This is because most of them feel stupid mumbling foreign words. No matter how mangled your foreign words are, it is still best that you talk to them in foreign language instead of assuming that they know English. The worst thing that could happen is that they will laugh at you or they will just give you a shrug. However, it can also lead to gaining a new friend and getting the help you need to carry on with your trip.

 Take advantage of technology. These days, there are lots of applications made available for us. Such applications are created to make our daily living a lot easier. Aside from budgeting applications, there are also some apps that are designed to help people overcome the language barrier, Now, you can find apps that can help you learn the right pronunciation of foreign phrases. There are also some which feature games that will help learning be more fun. There are also some apps that would translate any signs (that you will take picture of) from any foreign language to English.

  Get rid of your slang. These days, lots of Americans are making use of slang terms to express what they say. In the event that the locals you will be talking to knows how to speak in English, using such terms will surely leave them baffled. This is why stick to normal English words when talking to locals.

 Practice makes perfect. A few weeks or months before your trip, it would be best if you will try and familiarize yourself with reading newspaper headlines, train schedule and the likes. Also, practice being familiar with different foreign words by listening to the radio or going on a multilingual tour.

Janella wrote this article. She is a travel ambassador and blogger from Jurnii’s Rv Rentals. They offer rv rental to those looking to travel around the United States. Despite her busy schedule, she never forgets to indulge in her wanderlust.