How to Overcome Language Barriers When Traveling

When we arrived at our hotel in southern Israel, the woman at the front desk looked at us like she had no idea why we were there.

We were standing there with our luggage. At a hotel reception desk.

We thought it was fairly obvious.

That’s the thing about language barriers when you travel. Most of the time, you manage. Then suddenly you need to explain something that should be simple and realize you have no shared language to work with.

It’s worse when food is involved. We have dietary restrictions, so being able to ask whether something contains shellfish isn’t just casual conversation.

Nobody’s going to learn a whole new language for a trip that’s only going to last a couple of weeks. So what do you do when English gets you nowhere?

1. You don’t have to be multilingual to travel.

Speaking from personal experience, if you stick to popular destinations in Western Europe, the Caribbean, and major cruise ports, you can usually get by with English. In places that see a lot of Western tourists, you can usually find someone who can speak at least a little.

English is also widely used in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, so getting around there is fairly easy.

And when English isn’t enough, you don’t necessarily have to muddle through on your own. These days, your phone can do a lot of the work for you. Translation apps can translate spoken conversations as they happen, and some can even handle phone calls in another language.

A lot of people hire a local guide when language is likely to be a problem. We did that in Iraq, and had it not been for Karwan, we would have missed one of the most memorable moments of the trip: sharing tea in a Yezidi family’s home.

And yet, people who don’t speak a lick of the local language still travel there and come home with great stories.

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2. A little foreign language goes a long way

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve probably already discovered that learning new languages opens doors.

Even if you didn’t learn French or Spanish in school, you probably know what merci and si mean. Almost everyone can learn a few phrases or, at the very least, a few words to help them get by when traveling.

Good for you if you go full steam and get Spanish or French tutors & teachers online. After all, we are guests in their country. The least we can do is to try to learn some of the language as well as the country’s etiquette. This not only shows locals that you are trying your best, but they may also be more willing to help you out. Even better, you may even make a friend or two along the way!

How much you need to learn depends on the trip, though. A phrasebook may be enough for a trip to Egypt, but a more complicated situation in Brazil could call for a Portuguese translator.

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3. Learn basic foreign language phrases before traveling

The chances of you visiting a country where absolutely nobody speaks English are very slim, but it is always fun to try new things. So, learn a few phrases in a new language just for fun. You know what? You may even find that you actually do have a talent for languages after all!

Generally speaking, the most important phrases are:

• Please
• Thank you
• Hello
• How much?
• Sorry (or excuse me)
• Yes
• No

One of the best tricks we’ve heard is to ask your hotel for a business card and carry it with you. It will come in handy if you get lost. It will also help bus drivers and taxi drivers know where you want to go.

Another good idea is to learn how to pronounce the names of the places you want to travel to. If you are worried that you will forget the words or phrases, make a note in a notebook or on your phone for quick reference.

ⓘ TIP: Buy travel guides, like the ones produced by Lonely Planet. They have lists of basic foreign phrases, as well as maps and travel information.

4. Relax and just do your best

Relax. The first thing to remember is not to be too shy or embarrassed about your feeble attempts. People are incredibly forgiving and appreciate anyone trying to speak a few words of their language. Remember that the locals probably have to try speaking English and it is just as tricky and embarrassing for them too.

All travelers and locals can ask of one another is that they try.

5. Don’t take yourself too seriously

Most of all, you need to hold onto your sense of humor. Chances are that you will make some mistakes or sound a little silly.

Sometimes the locals will laugh at your attempts. Don’t take it personally. In some cultures, laughter is used to help someone avoid embarrassment or “losing face.” The proper response is to laugh along with them.

It’s also okay to ask them to correct you. The goal is to learn from your mistake.

6. Remember to be polite

How often have you been traveling and heard someone say, “Doesn’t anybody speak English around here?” As a tourist, you are a guest in their country, so it is very important to remain polite and pleasant. It would be totally obnoxious and ignorant to expect absolutely everyone to speak your language.

7. Be patient

When someone does not speak English or does not speak it well, it’s not their fault. Be patient and don’t let them get frustrated.

If they are struggling with their English, politely try and help them. Most will appreciate the opportunity to improve their English.

8. Learn a little about the culture

Research the culture and the local etiquette. By finding out how to correctly greet someone or how to convey respect, you may find that locals are more obliged to communicate with you. Since many cultures view seemingly harmless Western hand gestures as disrespectful or insulting, it is also crucial to learn which ones to avoid.

Perhaps there is more than one language, in which case it would be good to find out what regions speak what language. For example, some regions in China are predominantly Mandarin-speaking while other places speak Cantonese.

9. Pick up on local mannerisms

Once you arrive at your destination, take time to listen to the words people use in day-to-day conversations. Often language learned off the internet or from a book is very formal.

You’ll feel more comfortable with the more informal phrases. Consider, for example, the contexts in which we use ‘Thank you very much’ and just ‘Thanks’.

10. Be brief

Chances are that you will find someone who speaks some broken English and you will be able to ask them for help or information. When talking to someone who is not a native English speaker, it is essential to keep your sentences short and concise.

Use simple language and avoid slang as this can cause confusion. Choose your words carefully and be mindful of what words are more commonly used internationally. For instance, “toilet” may not be the most delicate or eloquent word, but your one-word question is clear. It’s also much easier to understand than “do you have a bathroom” or “where is the restroom.”

11. Speak normally

Try to avoid speaking too loudly. This may seem like the logical way to get your message across, but it can come across as aggressive.

Another mistake many travelers make is to speak too slowly. There is a fine line between talking clearly and at a pace that allows the listener to process the words. Besides, speaking too slowly can sound condescending.

12. Use non-verbal cues

If all else fails, mime it out! Using hand gestures can often help get the message through. You can also use your face to convey a message. For example, if someone is trying to help you but they are speaking too fast or you do not understand them, look confused and quizzical so they know to slow down and try again.

This works both ways, too. You may not understand how to get to the toilet, but when he points you’ll quickly figure out where to go.

Keep a pen and a notebook in your backpack. It can be useful to have around when asking for directions as some locals may draw out a rough map for you. These are extremely useful and make lovely mementos.

13. Use technology

Thankfully, we also have technology on our side! It is the 21st century after all, and with that comes a myriad of apps and technology that can help you communicate when you travel. These days there are loads of apps and sites that can help us translate along the way.

The number one app to get, for both Android and iOS users, is Google Translate. Not only can you type in a phrase, translate it and then get the app to speak the translated phrase for you, but you can also decipher signposts and other writing you may not understand.

Your phone is definitely your best friend when traveling to a non-English speaking country.

• Download maps for both your and your taxi drivers’ use.
• Take pictures of your hotel or your street so that you can show someone when asking for directions.
• You can also pre-download pictures of the attractions you would like to visit for the very same purpose.

ⓘ TIP: If you would like to learn some phrases before traveling, try out Duolingo. This free app allows you to learn phrases in many languages.

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