With Passover starting tomorrow night, the travel on our minds right now is how the Jewish people were delivered from slavery in Egypt, which required lots and lots of walking! Today of course with the ease of travel, seeing the world is something many people hope to do, but then again, how can one get around if you don’t know the language? Learning a new language can be difficult, and even frustrating. Some languages are more complicated to learn than others. Despite the challenges, multilingualism is rapidly gaining popularity around the world, and is becoming a sought-after addition to the resume. At first glance, learning a foreign language might seem impossible. The good news is that language experts believe that basic travel communication skills can be acquired in a few weeks, and deeper knowledge in a few months. Lets find out how!
Why is it important to learn a new language?
With basic knowledge of a foreign language, you feel so much more comfortable! You can easily say what you want in any situation and at any time, ask, order, thank, complain, discuss, suggest, report, etc. And most importantly if there is an emergency of some kind you won’t feel helpless.
Plus, knowing the language of the country is the way to the heart of the inhabitants of this country. They will be pleased and surprised that you have learned their language and are trying to speak it. And if you are also somewhat fluent in this language, then wow, you will certainly earn the respect of the locals!
For example, when traveling in France, you will feel much more comfortable knowing the basics of the French language. After all, the people of this country are more willing to communicate with you in their native language. That is why lessons with online French teachers will add to your trip the feeling of a complete acquaintance with the country.
- If you speak a foreign language, you will be able to travel along your own route without being tied to a tour.
- With the knowledge of a foreign language while traveling, you can make new friends with the local population, or meet other travelers.
- When traveling, you should be prepared for the most common situations that may await, that require basic knowledge of the language.
How to ask for help?
Unforeseen situations may occur while traveling. You may need help from passers-by, medical attention, or law enforcement. Therefore, it will be useful to study a set of phrases that allow you to seek advice or ask for help.
How to lower the price?
In some countries, bargaining is not only appropriate, but also the tradition. Therefore, the ability to ask for a discount will help you not only save money on your budget, but also take part in the national activity.
How to communicate with staff?
The ability to communicate with service personnel in a hotel, cafe, or shop is a very useful skill. You will be able to resolve the conflict situation and save your nerves if you have the ability to explain.
How to communicate at the airport?
Every traveler can find it difficult to find a check-in area, boarding gate, or baggage claim. Knowing the basic phrases for communication at the airport will help to solve difficulties upon arrival or the completion of the trip.
Lets move on to new language learning tips and the 7 best ways to learn a new foreign language for travel:
1. Install a language learning app
It is convenient to use it anywhere when you have free time. You can start by learning fundamental vocabulary and grammar. The best option would be to have several applications for learning the structure of the language, and for vocabulary. After that, you can choose the one that will allow you to practise in the most convenient way for you.
2. More fun together!
Find someone who shares your desire or need to learn a new language for a trip abroad. Try searching online services for someone who knows the language you are interested in. This will help you master it faster, as your friend will correct your mistakes and guide you on the right path. Moreover, you can then travel together to the country you were planning to visit and practice your language skills.You can also attend meetings of people who practice the new language online or offline.
3. History and culture
Start looking for the culture of the country you are traveling to and the history of the language spoken there. This will help you dive deeper into learning the language, as well as be aware of the traditions of the people you will encounter on your trip.
4. Watch series and movies
This is both a pleasant and useful pastime. You will watch a fascinating story, and listen to the live speech of native speakers of a foreign language. You can use subtitles in the beginning, then try to understand without them! Write down unfamiliar words and then repeat them daily. This tip is inextricably linked to the next one.
5. Write notes
When you come across new words and phrases in any form of your learning, write them on sticky notes and stick them in different places in the apartment. The more often you see foreign words and their meanings, the better you will remember them.
6. Read books
Reading will help you create images and associations with foreign words. This is another effective way to remember them. Reading helps to expand vocabulary. Use only those materials that are appropriate for your level of knowledge. If the proportion of unfamiliar terminology is too high, it can be difficult to understand what they mean from the context.
7. Listen
While you can listen to music in a new foreign language, consider podcasts on topics that you are interested in. For example, you can explore the top places to go to travel. Assess how much you understand from what you have heard, and where there are gaps. Another alternative is to listen to the news.
In conclusion, it is a huge advantage to speak a foreign language while traveling. Despite the complexity, it is absolutely possible and even exciting to learn that language of your choice. Choose the methods that you like, start as ahead of time as possible, and just be patient and persistent!
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