It may surprise you to learn that someone who has been to over 70 countries (many more than once) and who has lived in five other than the US for an extended period of time, doesn’t speak a second language. It is not something I am proud of, and it is something I would like to work on, but it is a fact none the less. However, this also doesn’t mean I am an ugly American just talking louder so I can be understood. Below are some tried and true tips when you don’t speak the language:
–Learn a few words to be polite. You will find English is a common language and spoken throughout the world. However, learning a few words to show you care and to be polite goes a long way. Hello. Thank you. Excuse me. Sorry. Please. These are a great place to start and even those of us who are tongue tied with a tin ear can manage to remember a handful of words for a short time. If you have to, write them down phonetically and put them in your pocket. People will love that you tried.
–If the country used to be a colony or part of a larger empire, also learn a few words of that language (i.e French, German, Spanish, Russian). This is especially helpful if you are visiting multiple locations in a region. It may be easier and more useful than trying to learn several languages and dialects.
–Grab a business card or write down the name and address of places you have to go (like your hotel or if you have reservations somewhere). In a pinch you can combine your few words of the language with the address and have no problems.
-If your hotel (or where you need to go) is out of the way, figure out where it is in relation to a famous landmark early in your stay. This was a life saver in Marrakesh. Our hotel was deep in the medina but I knew where it was based from the Djemaa el-Fna (the busy and central market square). At one point in my trip as our cab was circling the medina for what felt like the hundredth time (it may have only been ninety) and I spotted Djemaa el-Fna, pointed frantically and jumped out confident if I could find the right alley (I had taken a picture of it the first day) I could find our way home!
–Watch the locals. For example, if you don’t know how to use the bus/tram, watch the people in front of you.
–Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask your front desk. Ask those you see on the street, with a few polite words, important words of what you need to know, and hand gestures will go a long way.
–Remember its ok to get lost, not understand every word, and to look a little bit silly. Once you get home, these will be the highlights of your trip and the stories you share with others.
–Pay attention to the context. When in central America I had to hire a transfer from Costa Rica to Panama. At the border while waiting for the other passengers, the driver came over and spoke rapidly in Spanish. Naturally, I replied “Sí”. He replied, “Hablo Español?” I of course said, “No” He then switched to English and asked, “Then why did you say you understood.” However, I smiled sheepishly and then miraculously repeated what he had told me a few moments earlier. He was astounded and asked me how I was able to understand him. It was easy – by paying attention, listening for a few key words, watching his hand moments and understanding the context of the situation I was able to figure out the gist of what he wanted to communicate!
Bottom line – don’t let fear of language hold you back from getting out there and seeing the world. You will figure it out. And if you end up eating something unexpected or taking the scenic route then all the better!
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