Breaking Through The Language Barrier

Lost in Translation

Poets and greeting card manufacturers claim that the international language is love, but travelers know better. For anyone who has spent a good deal of time in a foreign destination, surrounded by people they cannot understand, the international language is effort — as in making the effort to communicate slowly, thoughtfully and with the intent of being understood. Here are some helpful tips to get your message across in any situation.

English 101
English comprehension is growing around the world, creating more students of the language. As students, their grasp of English is tenuous at best, so speak slowly and clearly, annunciating each word as if you’re speaking to someone reading your lips. Just like you cannot understand a Spanish film even though you took two semesters of Español in high school, international English students may not be able to understand you because you’re talking too fast.

App Up
Download and test a few translator apps to your phone before you go. Be sure to practice with the app so that you can smoothly and quickly use it when someone is waiting for the translation.

Choose Your Words Wisely
Use simple, straightforward English phrases without slang (“Where can I chow down on some grub?”), colloquialisms (“Y’all know where the bathrooms are?”) or idioms (“I’m looking for a place to drown my sorrows.”).

Word Economy
There’s no need to communicate a complex message or mangle a foreign phrase when one word will suffice. “Toilet?” works better than “Excuse me, sir, but where is the toilet?” And “Photo?” will do instead of “Can you please take our picture next to this cathedral?”

Keep Moving 
Language is only one small part of communication. Don’t forget that facial expressions and gestures work just as well, especially when exaggerated. Rub your belly if you’re hungry or mimic drinking with your pinky extended if you’d like a cup of tea.

Make it One Big Game of Pictionary
For those with artistic talent, keep a pad and pencil on you at all times and draw whatever it is you want. A picture of an airplane will tell the taxi driver where to go, while a stick figure with a stethoscope shows you’re looking for a doctor.

The Most Important Phrase
​While it’s extremely helpful to learn basic phrases in the local language before your trip, the most important phrase to learn is “thank you.” Even if you failed to get the answer you were looking for, you should thank the person for their effort.