Traveling in a Country Where You Don’t Know the Language
Last month I talked about how to pack like a pro. This time I’ll be focusing more on the fun side of travel—the part where you’ve reached your destination and are ready to jump into exploring.
Traveling, especially in a foreign country, can be a confusing affair, and sometimes that’s the best part. Taking a wrong turn on a tiny side street in Italy that opens onto a beautiful piazza you never would have visited otherwise, stumbling into the first restaurant you can find in London and discovering fish and chips are so much better than expected, or asking for directions in Paris and realizing you’ve wound up across town from where you meant to be and seen a ton of interesting things along the way—these are the kinds of confusion that make travel exciting.
Still, there are some kinds of confusion you don’t want to have to deal with on your traveling adventures. A language barrier can fall into this category. While not knowing the language shouldn’t stop you from visiting a foreign country there are things you can, and should, do both before and during your trip to a country where you don’t know the language in order to make your trip a success.
Don't let a language barrier keep you from exploring places like this one: a fountain in Florence, Italy.
Keep it simple: While it would be ideal to be able to load your brain with thousands of phrases that you can pull out at a moment’s notice in a country where you don’t speak the language it’s just not realistic to have that as your goal. Trying to get too fancy with foreign words can even make it harder for the people you’re trying to communicate with to understand you when you add in pronunciation differences and the higher probability of mistakes complex sentences bring. Still, it’s worth it to learn a few key words before you get on the plane. You can probably do this without even investing in a pricey guidebook by simply utilizing google or an online translator. I advise the pleasantries, “please and thank you,” as well as “how much” which, when combined with some judicious pointing, can make shopping easier. “Bathroom” is also one you’ll want to know. You’ll be surprised, however, at how much you’ll be able to communicate with body language; a shrug, politely pointed index finger, or nod can be eloquent.
If you’re going to learn one complete sentence when traveling in a country where you don’t know the language I’d strongly advise it be some variation on “I’m sorry, I don’t speak [insert language here].” Starting my monosyllabic queries in Paris always went over much better when I preceded them with an apologetic “Desolee, je n’parle pas français.”
Read up: Before you head off on your trip it’s worth reading up on the country you’re going to visit. Sites like The Lonely Planet can provide you with everything from cultural information to information on how the transportation system works free of charge. Take advantage of this. After all, the more you already know the less you have to ask when travelling in a country where you don’t speak the language. It’s also a good idea to make sure you know where the US Embassy is, and have the number for it, just in case you do urgently need to speak to someone in English.
Be observant: When I was in Florence, Italy I quickly figured out that cashiers in the stores I visited were very pleased when I had exact change. After that, whenever possible, I would have my money ready and in my hand before I got to the register. Looking for things like this will make people more inclined to be patient and helpful if you do make mistakes or have questions.
Be humble: Remember, the people in the country you visit are not there to entertain you, they’re going about their own business and might not want to be bothered by tourist any more than you would when strolling the streets of your home town. When you approach someone with a question be polite, and if they can help you thank them profusely. Even when interacting with service professionals, such as waiters and store clerks, remember that they’re going above and beyond when they listen patiently, trying to understand you. Be appreciative of the effort and they will probably continue to make it.
Finally, be willing to look a little silly in the name of having fun. You’re going to say words wrong, walk through the wrong doors, and get on a couple busses going the wrong way. Learn to enjoy this; it’s all part of the adventure.
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Caitlin Sahm‘s personal travel record is six planes, two continents, and three states in one week. She hopes to break this record as soon as possible. Meanwhile, she spends her time on the ground as a freelance writer, copy editor, and student in the Midwest.
