Traveling to a country where you don’t speak the local language can be intimidating, but don’t let the language barrier stop you. Here are 6 tips on overcoming the language barrier and getting your point across.
1. Learn a few basic words and phrases
Learning a few basic phrases in a language like: hello, goodbye and thank you shows respect for the local language and culture as well as the person you’re trying to talk to. Learning basic phrases is a small, but appreciated gesture that may also increase the likelihood of the person helping you.
2. Try speaking English
English is one of the most popular second languages in the world and can be a great way to communicate with tour guides, wait staff, shop owners, fellow travelers, and everyday people on the street. Consider that although English is becoming a nearly universal language, people who speak English as a second language do so with varying proficiency and confidence. Some people who speak English as a second language can feel shy or embarrassed about speaking English, so be patient and appreciative of their efforts.
When necessary, speak slowly (NOT loudly) and avoid using complex words and colloquialisms. Even highly proficient English speakers may not be familiar with expressions like “break the ice” or “piece of cake”.
3. Learn important universal words
Some words are understood almost universally. ‘OK’ is one of the most widely recognized words in the world and is more likely to be understood than ‘Yes’. People are also more likely to understand ‘toilet’ than other terms like ‘bathroom’ or ‘restroom’.
4. Embrace gestures, drawings, pointing and making sounds
Sometimes communicating your message might feel like a game of high-stakes charades, nevertheless gesturing, drawing, pointing, making sounds or some combination of the four can go a long way toward getting your point across. As silly as it may sound, making animal noises or miming an animal’s behavior can convey which type of animal you’re talking about. Also, pointing at a plate of food at another table can be an easy way to communicate that you’d like to order the same item off the menu.
5. Try a different approach, if one communication attempt fails
Have you ever played Pictionary with someone that keeps circling and pointing at one drawing? Did you find their circling and pointing helpful? Probably not. Similarly, some travelers get stuck on a single word or gesture and keep repeating it over and over again. If the other person responds with a blank stare of incomprehension, repetition rarely helps. Think creatively and try different approaches. For example, if you’re looking for a cathedral, making the sign of the cross may convey your message better than trying to mime the physical cathedral building.
6. Use a translator on your phone or tablet
If you can’t get your point across and you’ve got your phone or tablet with you, try typing a phrase into a free translator like Google Translate and showing the result to person you’re trying to talk to. Consider that translating software is far from perfect and it may translate your message in an unusual or incomprehensible way. Whenever possible, use short and simple words and phrases.