Only about 20% of the world’s population speaks English, and many of those people aren’t native English speakers.
That means if you travel to foreign countries, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself in a situation where no one else speaks English.
A little preparation before your foreign trip can help you better communicate when you’re not fluent in the local foreign languages where you travel.
Soaking up some of the language and learning other ways to communicate can help.
Keep reading to learn how to handle foreign languages when you travel abroad.
Brush Up on What You Know
That French class you took in high school might seem like ancient history, but it could come in handy if you’re planning a trip to Paris.
If you have previous knowledge of the language spoken where you’re traveling, you might be surprised how much of it you can recall.
Think back to the things you learned in previous language classes or words you’ve picked up in everyday life.
Check out language learning apps and websites to refresh yourself on the basics of the language.
Learn the Basics
Most people won’t learn an entire new language before a trip, but you can learn some basics that will serve you well while you travel.
Knowing keywords and phrases that will help you with travel-specific activities can make the trip easier.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when learning a new language.
A lot of that frustration can come from getting caught up in grammar, such as saying words in the correct order, which can vary in other languages.
Instead of worrying about saying things perfectly, focus on learning the vocabulary that will help you most.
If you can say a few important words in the foreign language, the locals will be able to understand what you’re trying to say or what you need help finding.
It can be enough to get the assistance you need even if you don’t say it grammatically correct.
Online translators let you look up specific words and phrases that you know you’ll need.
You can also use free language learning apps to pick up some of the basics before your trip.
While you’re learning some beginner terms in the language, write down the ones that you’ll likely use.
Look up specific phrases or words that you know you’ll need while you’re traveling to create a cheat sheet.
Having this cheat sheet handy with you while you travel can make communication easier.
Plan for Transportation
Your first task when you arrive in a new country is usually getting to your hotel or vacation rental.
It’s your first test in a country with a written and spoken language that isn’t your own.
Have a plan for getting to your hotel before you ever land in your vacation destination.
Decide if you’ll take a taxi or public transportation.
If you’re taking public transit, research which line you need to take and where you’ll get off to get as close as possible to your accommodations.
Doing your research can get you to your hotel safely when you’re likely already feeling tired and jet lagged.
Tackling this first task successfully can give you confidence for the rest of the trip.
Use a Translator Device
Before smartphones and portable electronics become commonplace, travelers often carried around foreign language dictionaries to communicate in other countries.
Technology makes that easier.
A translator device can instantly translate foreign languages so you can understand what’s being said.
It saves time over a dictionary since you don’t have to flip through pages.
Devices with two-way translations can help you have a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak the same language.
You can also use translation apps on your phone if you’ll have service in your destination.
Some apps will translate words on signs, menus, and other written items when you point your phone’s camera at the words.
The drawback of apps is that you might not be able to use them if you lose cell service or internet or if your phone dies.
Try Nonverbal Communication
If you have trouble communicating with words, try nonverbal methods to get the help you need.
Pointing and hand gestures can get your point across. You can point at items on menus, locations on maps, or pictures on your phone.
If you have paper available, you might be able to draw a picture that communicates what you’re trying to say.
Basic sketches can help people who speak another language understand what you need.
Carry Addresses With You
If your trip involves lots of sightseeing, getting to those locations will be one of your main needs for communication.
Having addresses written down or saved in your phone can make it easier to get help.
Make sure you have the address for your accommodations as well in case you get lost on your way back.
Choose Help Wisely
When you need help, choose someone to ask carefully.
People who work in hotels, stores, restaurants, and similar locations, especially in areas frequented by tourists, might be more likely to know English than random people on the street.
If that’s not an option, take a few moments to look and listen to what’s going on around you.
Look for someone who’s speaking English. Try to find someone who seems friendly and not in a hurry.
Stay Calm and Be Kind
Being lost or not being able to get what you need can be frustrating and overwhelming.
You might start to panic or worry. Staying calm helps keep the situation under control and can help you think clearly to improve the outcome.
Kindness toward everyone you interact with can also help your case.
People might be more willing to help you even if there’s a language barrier when you treat them nicely.
Expecting people to speak English or getting mad at people when they don’t understand you won’t encourage them to continue helping.
Smiling and being friendly might make locals more willing to help you.
Keep in mind that smiling isn’t common in some countries, including Russia, and could affect how you’re perceived.
Handle Foreign Languages With Ease
When traveling to locations where foreign languages are common, doing a little prep work can help you better communicate with locals.
You’ll feel more relaxed and confident going into the trip when you can figure out how to communicate.
Visit our travel archives for more useful info on your next trip.