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Getting Past The Language Barrier

For Americans, one of the first things we need to realize when traveling abroad is that we only speak English. Sure, English is very widespread and spoken in many other countries, but it is not the native language of those countries. America has the great fortune of only being bordered by two countries, Canada & Mexico and English is spoken in Canada too! If you put yourself in the middle of Europe or Asia, it is often difficult to drive for 3 hours and to end up in a place that speaks the same language & has the same culture as where you started off. The point here is that as Americans, we rarely have to rely on body language or sign language as a core method for communication.

Spoken Language – The Native Tongue

When you travel to a country where the native language is very unfamiliar, typically fingers will be crossed that someone somewhere can speak English. While this is becoming more frequently true, especially among young people (teenagers/college students in foreign countries are far more likely to have studied English); it is a bad way to go about traveling. Sometime as simple as picking up a traveling language book can make your experience in foreign countries far better. Obviously you won’t be fluent in the language any time soon, but learning how to say the most simplest of phrases to a waiter at a restaurant or attendant at a hotel will be much appreciated. This is true because it shows that you are willing to give up your security and to delve into a world completely unfamiliar just to be courteous. I cannot tell you how many times just saying: “thanks” in the native language wherever I am, has brought back a smile or even better service.

One concern that everyone will have, when going out of their way to learn how to say anything in a foreign language, is whether or not they are saying it correctly. The answer to such a concern is simple, just ask! If you know a hotel attendant that can speak English, just point them to the pronunciations of “please” and “thank you” in your little language book and 9 out of 10 times they will smile and happily tell you how it is properly pronounced. Often times, they will even ask you to repeat it a few times to make sure you have got it down.

Always remember, you are traveling for fun, not for things to be cumbersome. Don’t let the language barrier bog you down or get in your way of seeking out new sights.

Body Language – More Important Than Spoke

While a spoken language barrier will probably exist throughout your travels, a body language barrier will not. This is important to remember because it can be used to your advantage for communication while you are abroad. Just think for a moment, how many expressions can you make with your face alone to show how you are feeling? The most important and obvious ones come out first: Happy, Mad, & Confused. These are three emotions that are recognized globally and then there are a plethora of other emotions you can convey just with your face.

Your face is great at communicating your personal feelings, how you are, but when it comes to your entire body; you can communicate about the environment around you.

• Pointing (At Places or People)
• Shoulders straight/upright (Pride)
• Shoulders slouched (insecure, not hostile)
• Fingers (Numbers)
• Waving (Attention)
• Hugs (positive/not hostile)

These are just a quick list of ways we communicate with our bodies. You could tape your mouth shut but still be able to tell someone else ‘7’ with your hands. Similarly, pointing can be an invaluable directional source when you are trying to find some information. One thing that every traveler should constantly think about or be aware of are the local vulgar gestures. Most travel books will have them listed out so that you do not accidentally make them.

One of the dangerous things about body language is that vulgar gestures vary widely. For example: pointing with your middle finger or hugging in public in some countries may not be a wise decision. It will immediately be recognized that you are a foreigner and probably just as quickly dismissed, but as a foreigner you should try to be as respectful of your surroundings as you can.

Whether you communicate with your mouth or your body, always remember that you are communicating with another human being who has emotions, feelings and a family just like you. Never act like you are better than them, even if they cannot understand your words, your actions will be understood and reflected on you and your country. If you can put out the extra effort to learn about the country you are going to, it can only help. That much I can guarantee.