For English speakers, the world of travel is relatively accessible. In many of the countries that you travel to, many of the key individuals you will need to communicate with will have learned basic English. You can often get by without speaking more than the basics of the native tongue. However, for a full experience of a country, speaking the language is essential. Here are 4 reasons why you should learn the local language before you land.
Navigation. There are few things more intimidating than arriving in a country where you don’t speak the language. Road signs, train stations and maps are written in unreadable words and navigating the city becomes impossible. Relying on strangers to direct you also becomes risky as even those that speak your language are likely to misunderstand or misdirect you. At the basic level of safety and navigation, proficiency in a country’s language immediately boosts your experience.
Connections. As the principal way humans communicate, language is essential for connecting with others. Building friendships with people you would never otherwise encounter is one of the greatest benefits of travelling. While you may be able to get by with hand signals and fragmented phrases, genuine connection with the people of the country you are visiting is enabled only by a shared language.
Discovery. One of the downsides to being a tourist is having to rely on tourist information. Geared towards making profits and pleasing diverse markets, the products and information accessible to you as a tourist barely scratch the surface of the culture you are visiting. To discover the real hidden gems of a city, listening to local advice and exploring the city independently offer the best potential. Without the language, these become impossible.
Understanding. Language is a fundamental part of culture. It reflects the character and traditions of its country and the values of the people who speak it. For this reason, a full understanding of a place and its people is impossible without a knowledge and appreciation of the language which holds them together.
In order to experience the richness of a new place, connect authentically with people and reap the full benefits of a travel experience, proficiency in the local language is essential.
Amy Galliford.
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