Communicating basic needs can be quite challenging, if we are not fluent with local language. Many travelers fear the embarrassment of speaking local langiage incorrectly. Pronouncing foreign words can be quite trick that they can badly tie up our tongue. Before mastering a language, we will have to make many errors, so we will be able to improve our skills. Also, locals will forgive us for making any verbal slip-up. A few months before our trip, we should allocate 15 to 30 minutes each day to learn the foreign language. Instead of learning the intricate grammar concept, we should focus first on common sentences and vocabulary. After we have practiced typical conversation, it will be much easier for us to learn the grammar concept. When we arrive in the foreign country, we should be able to hold basic conversation. By understanding local language, we will be able to become more flexible. Because non-verbal factors make up much of the actual communication, we should maximize the use of facial expression, hand movements, body language and other gestures. For people who come from non-English speaking countries, it is important for them to learn how speak English and the language of the destination country. Expertise in both languages will make the trip more enjoyable.
Livemocha is a useful platform that allows us to communicate with native speakers in distant countries. Early sessions are free, but more advanced courses require nominal fees. We may also use Couchsurfing to interact better with locals. Couchsurfing hosts will be glad to talk with travelers both in English and their native languages. This is a valuable opportunity to learn a local language with a native in his or her own country. We may watch foreign films with subtitle to learn their languages. We could repeat interesting scenes multiple times, until we are able to say the same sentences properly. Children film from foreign countries are best source of learning, because they use simple sentence and topics. YouTube also allows us to find videos with foreign languages and we may choose those with subtitles, by clicking the CC button. If we want to communicate, it is a good idea to use pictures. We may show pictures on our smartphones, as an example items that we want to buy. We should talk slowly. In some countries, people may talk loudly, but in other areas; it is considered offensive to talk loudly. For English-speaking tourists, it is imprudent and impolite to think that everyone can and should talk in English.
It shouldn’t be too difficult to memorize a few phrases and words. We may pronounce them incorrectly or even downright slaughtering the words, even so; locals will appreciate our effort. Language barriers can be removed by uttering a few words when meeting locals. We will mistake and we will misunderstand some concepts; but we will establish an interaction or even friendship. Visiting in foreign country is about building relationships with locals and this will improve our overall experience.