There is no possible way to know every language for every region of every country you might travel to, and in most places, speaking English will be a very real possibility. Some very well known travelers, such as Rick Steves, are known for their extensive travels and minimal language skills. That said, other travelers who choose to immerse themselves in a destination may find that harvesting local language skills are necessary for expatriate survival. Whether you want to fly without a comprehensive language skill set or immerse yourself in a foreign language, read on.
Tips
- If you are traveling to a country where the primary language spoken isn’t your own, carry an index card with translated emergency phrases on it. Keep the card with you and accessible at all times. Key phrases include: help, stop, I need the police, I need a doctor, I need someone who speaks (your language here), and any other phrases relevant to particular your travel situation.
Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months — Unconventional language hacking tips from Benny the Irish Polygot, who is traveling the world to learn languages to fluency. This site provides tips on how to speak particular languages and hints on how to pick up on idiosyncrasies of the spoken word.
- Matador Focus: Foreign Language Learning — A comprehensive collection of articles about language learning including reviews of language learning products, helpful phrases and more.
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