8 Tips To Defend Yourself With A Foreign Language

When we travel to a country with a different language, we worry about not knowing how we are going to communicate. The usual thing is to limit ourselves to the vocabulary that our travel guide has and think that the best thing that can happen to us is that they understand Spanish perfectly.

Defending ourselves with the language in a foreign country depends on local customs, how careful we are and, above all, our linguistic level. If the latter is not too high, there are tools such as apps or guides that can help us, the rest will depend on our common sense. Here are some tips.

1. Research some of the language of the country as you go

If you chose a destination that you know nothing of the language of, the best thing you can do is do your research before starting your trip. The first thing, get a pocket dictionary, it  will help you a lot.

You can also research in books, internet and YouTube videos what are the basic expressions and local vocabulary. Research the places you will visit to see how they are known in the destination country so there is no confusion.

2. Use Google Translate

Your Smartphone can help you a lot here. When you hear an expression that you do not understand,  you can quickly look up the words in Google Translate, for example if you are about to make a reservation or order a dish. If you write down all these typical phrases before arriving, much better.

3. Use your manners

There are countries in which its inhabitants pay attention to the education of tourists, so it is important that you  learn the expressions that allow you to ask for things with education. You can not miss the “please” or say “thank you”.

Try to be polite and attentive when asking questions of the locals, especially if you notice that they are in a hurry or feel that they are not in a good mood.

4. Don’t speak the language too slowly or too fast

Remember that you are speaking in another language, and if you do it too fast,  the locals may not be able to understand you.  But if you speak slowly, it will cause a certain disinterest on the part of the receiver and will make you feel nervous when you see that you cannot communicate.

Try to speak spontaneously, as some languages ​​barely allow you a breath to question what exactly you are trying to say.

5. Defend yourself with gestures

If you feel that the language is too difficult for you, even with the help of portable translators, try to add gestures to the conversation without making them exaggerated.

This will help create a greater visual impact on the person you are asking and make it easier for them to understand you. Mind you, don’t make gestures that make you look shrill or intimidating.

6. Practice the language out loud

Saying a phrase or word aloud  will make you lose your fear when speaking it outside. Try to practice generic and useful phrases for traveling, so that when you go out, you can express yourself correctly even without being an open book.

7. Know the customs

There are countries where it will be very useful to have practiced some of their customs before.  In  India, when addressing someone, you should lean gently with the palms of the hands joined and at the level of the chin. In Germany, for example, they do not like closeness, therefore they will appreciate your keeping a certain distance when you are about to talk to a passerby.

8. Find out about the routes

If you don’t understand the language, you have to accept the fact that you wo n’t always know what’s going on. Although it may seem worrisome, there is a reason why the bus driver drops you in the middle of the desert: it is a transfer point and another bus will arrive in a few minutes.

It is important that you research everything about the routes you will take at your destination.  In this way, you will not be surprised when you have to find your way from the airport or to your accommodation at the train or bus station.

Making yourself understood and understanding what is heard in a foreign country is sometimes not easy. With these tips you will have something easier to communicate when you travel to other countries.