Can I Have Meaningful Experiences Abroad if I Don’t Speak the Language?

Ask Rolf: Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

11.06.07 | 7:31 AM ET

Rolf Potts

Dear Rolf,

I have traveled extensively in the United States and Canada, but I’ve always been a bit hesitant to travel in other parts of the world because my foreign language skills aren’t great. I studied Spanish a long time ago in high school, but functionally my only language is English. Is it possible for me to have meaningful travel experiences in foreign countries if I don’t speak the language?

—Lori, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Dear Lori,

I get this question a lot, and I always encourage people to travel, regardless of their language abilities. I should know, since I am not naturally good at languages myself—and had I waited to learn languages before I traveled abroad I never would have hit the road in the first place.

Fortunately for all of us who are slow at learning languages, a big advantage of 21st century travel is that English has become the lingua franca for much of the world. Even if you don’t always find fluent speakers in far-off lands, you can usually find locals (often students) who know a few phrases of English.

When speaking English to non-fluent listeners, remember that loudness is not what will make you understood. Rather, you should make an effort to speak slowly, simply and clearly. And, when listening to non-fluent English, be patient and try to figure out mispronounced words from the context of what is being said. Keep in mind that many people know English only from study dictionaries—not spoken and heard conversation—and thus might not know how to sound words correctly. Try to develop an ear for imperfect “Tarzan English”—and keep in mind that it’s probably much clearer than your “Tarzan” rendering of the local tongue. Compliment anyone brave (and helpful) enough to try his or her English on you, and try to develop a knack for cross-cultural small talk (which involves simple topics that everyone can relate to—such as family, food, hobbies and love-life/marital status).

Pocket language guides, which can be found in most any bookstore travel section, can also be good for cross-cultural communication.  At times you can have entire (albeit slow) conversations just by flipping through the pages of your phrasebook. And, regardless of your adeptness at picking up new languages, it’s never too hard to commit a few words and phrases of the local language to memory. Lazy afternoons or long bus rides are a good opportunity to begin your memorization. Good starting phrases include:  “Hello,” “please” and “thank you”; “yes” and “no”; the numbers 1-10, plus 100 and 1000; “How much?”; “Where is it?”; and “no problem!” Additional useful words to translate are “hotel,” “bus station,” “restaurant,” “toilet,” “good,” “bad” and “beer.” Any local idioms and slang you pick up will delight locals (just so long as you aren’t learning something profane or offensive).

And, of course, improvised sign language and face pulling can go a long way toward getting your point across. Regardless of whether you try verbal or visual communication, your efforts will invariably provoke lots of laughter—so be ready to laugh along!

Send your questions to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). If you want to know whether Rolf has already answered your questions, see the Ask Rolf archive.

Tags: ESL, Languages


7 Comments for Can I Have Meaningful Experiences Abroad if I Don’t Speak the Language?

Angelina Mina 11.06.07 | 11:42 AM ET

i loved reading your post, it was worth it. thanks for it.

Angelina Mina
http://healthtreatments.blogspot.com

PS 11.06.07 | 1:15 PM ET

when beginning a conversation, ask “do you UNDERSTAND English?  (rather than do you speak English) People will be much less hesitant to try to understand you.

Craig of Travelvice.com 11.16.07 | 11:45 AM ET

As an English speaker who has traveled in over 40 countries, I’ve compiled a little $list of the most common words and phrases I need to communicate (in a foreign language). Enjoy

sunnyvale foodie 11.17.07 | 5:14 AM ET

Learning a few basic words and phrases is very helpful. If you’re really stuck and nobody around seems to understand you, try to find the nearest traffic cop or walk into the nearest hotel - Chances are good that they will speak or understand at least a smattering of English.

Zarina 12.31.07 | 2:40 AM ET

Great response, Rolf. Yes, Lori! Go by all means and you WILL have meaningful experiences. Part of the experiences might be centered around the language barrier itself. But that is part of the fascination of experiencing other cultures- that they are so different! That was my experinece when first travelling in Europe. If you go back to a place again you might pick up a few more foreign phrases and slowly you will notice that your adventures are focused on other topics- not just the sheer hilarity or challenge of communicating. Also, going to cities, which tend to have a lot of English spoken, or to places with a large youth population, who are more likely to be studying English these days in schools, can help. Staying at a hotel or with those who speak English can provide a comfortable base from which to organize each day.

Bethany Elliott 01.18.08 | 11:45 AM ET

I’m really interested in traveling, but I don’t really have the expenses to travel. (I am a college student…)
Where could I find scholarships for traveling for the countries I want to go to? (I’m really interested in Asia, but Europe looks exciting too!)

Turner 05.27.08 | 1:24 PM ET

I still feel invisible at times when no one can truly see me through this language barrier… just a poorly-spoken fool far from home.

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