Hey there ....Happy Saturday.
"But he'd learned long ago that a life lived without risks pretty much wasn't worth living. Life rewarded courage, even when that first step was taken neck-deep in fear."
― Tamera Alexander, Within My Heart
Since we are getting ready to head out of the country in a few weeks, I thought I would send you some travel tips on traveling abroad...
One of the most common travel struggles is the language barrier between countries. Use this mini-guide to navigate the waters, and watch your horizons broaden.
Before You Go:
1. Do your research.
Not all countries rely on only one language, and some are more used to foreign travelers than others. Spend a little time reading about your destination to understand the region's linguistic complexities. You might just find that your language is spoken far more frequently than you'd expect.
2. Consider a lingua franca.
If you're a French speaker who doesn't know a lick of German, speaking to the locals in Berlin could be as simple as switching to English. Many countries use lingua francas, or common languages, in tourist situations. English is the most common, but Spanish, French and Chinese are widely spoken in various parts of the world.
3. Learn the regional phrases.
You should definitely try to pick up a few basic terms - "please," "thank you" and "I would like" will do you wonders - but try to learn as many colloquial phrases as possible. These regional terms will go a long way toward earning you respect with the locals. For instance, though Spanish textbooks frequently advise you to use "la cuenta, por favor" to ask for the check, Spanish locals frequently say "me cobra" for the same purpose. Just be sure to search for phrases that are applicable to the country you're visiting; what's standard in one place could be highly offensive in others.
The full post is on our blog...come on over and read the rest.
http://unstoppablefamily.com/no-comprendo-what-to-do-when-you-dont-speak-the-language/
