Indonesia is a country made up of islands, over 13,000 of them to be precise, and it is a country that has so much to offer any traveller. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, whether you plan to stay in one place or intend exploring some of the many islands it makes little difference and many tourists will not get much further into the country than any other tourist and that is a real pity. As the largest country in the world made up entirely of islands, one would expect a great deal of diversity and indeed there is, but few people go further than the capital Jakarta or the island of Bali or Sumatra. Why is this? Firstly, Jakarta is for business and Bali and Sumatra are very much tourist destinations with beaches and tropical forests, like few places on earth. Also, to go beyond the conventional tourist and business hubs, the barrier of language becomes a problem, and that puts people off. By learning to speak Indonesian, all 13,000 of it's islands open up and for anyone on an extended holiday or young people exploring the world, accommodation can be booked locally, often at a very good rate because you have some grasp of the language. Getting into the villages where the Indonesian people live, work and play becomes part of the experience. Just because you speak the language, you can now get to know the people and get under the skin of a truly amazing country. Tour guides that will take you places of interest are always available in your native language but, with the language, you can begin to explore places and ask questions and discover what makes Indonesia tick. Talking to locals about a place or something that is happening allows you to see things in a whole new way, a way in which many will miss out on without language. From Komodo Dragons and Orang-utans, speaking to a local in their mother tongue can create a whole new experience, making a trip to see these amazing wild animals very special indeed. Anyone can perhaps see these animals, but only a local will know the secrets to seeing them up close or seeing them where normal tourists cannot get to. Even food becomes better with language. With language, food itself can become an adventure and being able to ask for a dish with or without something more to your liking makes the exotically spiced or seriously fresh cuisine of Indonesia something you will never forget. So, when you plan your trip to Indonesia why not take the opportunity to learn the language, instead of expecting everything to be done in your language. Step out and get under the covers of Indonesia and explore the many islands with greater confidence and showing respect the people you meet along the way. Language is the one thing you cannot pack into your suitcase but it is the one thing that will make your trip to Indonesia more enjoyable than you could ever imagine. Learn Indonesian at VLLC and expand your horizons.
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One of the biggest reasons to speak Thai is to build friendships and relationships. There is no denying the fact that many men are fascinated by Thai women, and to get to know them language is the key. Even returning for a vacation year after year will encourage people to learn Thai. That awkward feeling of being guilty or insecure as you converse with locals who speak in broken English soon goes when you speak their language. The Thai people are renowned for their hospitality and friendliness, and this will become ever more apparent upon speaking Thai. Barriers drop quickly when a language is spoken and doors to new experiences are flung open in a new and exciting way. For some strange reason, speaking Thai draws you even further in to a country that pulled you in when you only had a handful of words in your pocket. When you visit Thailand without speaking Thai, the people of Thailand can tell you are a tourist and will treat you as a tourist. Once you show that you speak Thai, you are seen differently and you will be elevated among the locals you meet when on vacation or when starting a new life. Conversation will open up and natural curiosity will spark what can easily become lifelong friendships. Two words define the change when you speak Thai. The first is Trust. Trust is gained when you speak Thai as people can see that you have taken time and made the effort to learn their language. Sure, many speak English, as English has long been seen as the only way to get ahead or get out of Thailand. Returning the favour triggers a special emotion that you will only understand when you communicate with the locals in their native tongue. The second word is Independence. Speaking any language automatically gives a level of freedom and independence that nothing else can provide. Without speaking Thai, your movement and choices of places to visit is somewhat limited. With speaking Thai, you can venture beyond the hotel bars and tourist attractions and discover the real Thailand. Speaking Thai can instantly make any local the perfect tour guide who will take you places and introduce you to people that you would never visit or meet without the language. Thailand is constantly calling tourists; tourism is the mainstay of the economy, and if you want to heed that call and get more out of Thailand for pleasure or on business, learning to speak Thai will pay off. Thailand is more than just hotels and shrines; it is a country full of amazing places open to you and people who cannot wait to tell you more because you speak their language.
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AboutTravelling is an exciting opportunity which can be enhanced by learning the language before you go. This blog contains some interesting articles about language and travel. Archives
June 2024
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