Amanda PhillipsParlez-vous English? Learning a new language for your next trip
If English is your mother tongue, you’re less likely to have encountered that holiday dilemma called the language barrier. English is widely spoken across the world and many organisations use English as one of their official languages. So you’re usually sorted.
Saying that, learning a new language of your next destination will come with benefits. Firstly, it can open up doors with locals and can help you get recommendations that might not be served to tourists who only speak English. Secondly, it can help when you jet off to a far flung destination where English is not as widely spoken. These countries are bucket-list beautiful but some locals will only speak their own tongue. If you’re planning to head off somewhere soon where English isn’t the official language these tips will help you brush up on your language skills.
1. Use a mixture of resources
When learning a new language learners prefer online tutorials, some prefer podcasts, some like phrase books, and some might only be able to learn in a classroom set-up. Explore the different resources available (both online and offline) as a mixture of learning techniques usually gathers the best results.
2. Then identify what works for you
We all learn differently and Learning a new language is no exception. So while you’re exploring the different learning techniques above, keep checking in with yourself to see what’s working.
3. Identify phrases you’ll need
While basic greetings and numbers will be essential for most holiday types, what other phrases you’ll need will depend on your plans. If you’ve already booked the hotel then you’ll not need to worry about learning how to say “twin room” in French. If you plan to eat out a lot you’ll need to brush up on your food, and numbers for paying the bill. If you’re planning to backpack, you’ll probably need to know a lot more about transport and getting around.
4. Actually get speaking it
While most language courses will focus on reading, writing, listen and speaking – when you’re heading to a foreign shore it’s the last two that you’re more likely need practice in. You’ll need to know how to read lunch menus and road signs, but it’s conversing with locals that will come in handier. Concentrate on speaking it: pop on your favourite film and change the language settings, buy yourself an international radio and open your ears, or if you know someone who can speak the language grab them for a coffee where you agree not to speak English.
5. Have a second language ready to go
While this probably isn’t helpful advice if you’re heading off in a few weeks, it’s always helpful if keen travellers have a second language in their suitcase. Even just one extra language can help while globe trotting due to similarities between some historically-connected languages: if you know German you can likely navigate Dutch, if you know Spanish you can probably pick up Italian.