Language Barrier

[Milit]

I have had the intention of doing some travelling when financially feasible, and I am looking to do some solo trips from maybe next year or the year after.

I have never travelled abroad before, and I am looking for some advice from those that have. The prospect of travelling solo doesn’t bother me as I am quite quiet/private.
An issue that I wanted advice on was the language barrier. I’m not arrogant enough to think that every country should speak English, however I don’t speak any other languages myself.

I am wondering how common it is to encounter English speakers once you start to get off the beaten track: when travelling between places that perhaps wouldn’t be obvious tourist places, or refuelling for example

If there was one language that people would recommend to learn some of for travel mostly in continental Europe what would it be? Or perhaps it’s possible to get by with just some common phrases?

The truth is I’m simply not a very outgoing person, bit of an introvert. But I am also a realist and I am aware it isn’t possible to travel without encountering at least some people.

Thanks folks.

[Bucket1960]

Firstly

Never rely on someone having English speaking skills, although sometimes, they will surprise you
Once in the back woods of any country, hand gestures work very nicely, but it certainly helps and shows respect, if you brush up on some local basic sayings before you leave.
Around Asia, where we mostly tour, I carry a cheat sheet that I have printed off each trip Works for me, mostly, but my pronunciation gets a laugh every time
You will meet some amazing people and it only takes a sincere look and some crappy hand gestures, to get along
Enjoy your planning Milit

[Tony LEE]

Don't worry about it too much. We have been travelling for years and lived in China for two years and have enough trouble with English at times let alone any other language.

Cheat sheets prepared with google translate are good, but now you can carry a smart phone with dozens of languages off-line and that helps a lot. Yes, always possible to get into sticky situations with repairs and such, but acting skills go a long way.

Just remember the golden rule - if they can't understand you the first time, just speak louder and louder until they can.

Tip - many more people can read and write English than are willing to try speaking it (about half a billion in China just for starters) so try writing things down is talking seems not to work.

[backofbeyond]

Originally Posted by Milit

If there was one language that people would recommend to learn some of for travel mostly in continental Europe what would it be? Or perhaps it’s possible to get by with just some common phrases?

Sadly (or happily) the best single language to be able to speak for multi country travel in Europe is English. Obviously French is better in France, German in Germany etc but in my experience you'll come across more people throughout the continent with some understanding of English than you'll find French speakers in Germany, Italian speakers in Poland and similar - border areas excepted of course.

As a general rule you'll find English more easily understood in cities or tourist areas - people often need it to make a living. Out in the "backwoods" it'll be less likely and if you really need to get something across your best bet might be to find a schoolkid or two to act as intermediaries. Failing that a long and slightly awkward session with a phrase book / google translate etc.

[Milit]

Thankyou for taking the time to reply, it is appreciated.

Interesting comments, some things I hadn't considered there.

A cheat sheet sounds a good idea, coupled with learning some basics and it might be enough to get by without having to wet myself and run away crying.

Thanks

[grumpy geezer]

I was raised using only one language. Dad said he wanted us to be illiterate in only one language. I flunked Spanish once in college, was given a D in the second course because the teacher had pity on me. I could ask for , the bathroom and the menu. Before going to S America I learned how to say thanks, please, I need, how much, I think this is a nice country, all the people are so friendly, the is great and how to count to 100. I was in a dusty cross road in Bolivia when a local asked if he could speak English to me to improve his own. A dictionary is good, apps on the phone is better, a smile and not looking like you think the locals are beneath you is best.

[g6snl]

Speaking queens english is quite important too. I allways have to speak for my wife as she has a "suffolk" accent which non english english speakers have difficulty with. But yes as said learn some basic stuff. Even just hello is good.

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[farfaraway]

While on the road, always allow some conversations with hands, feet, and exchanging phrases to happen. Patience and local food and drinks always help with that, too!

[g6snl]

Actually Milit - having re read your first post, you are not alone, there are so many people like yourself, I've met that would love to take that first step but don't. What can make all the difference to every single one is just doing it. I have almost bullied a couple of mates of mine to just go and do it. They were for ever finding reasons not to go , one being language. They now laugh at it all, a little angry with themselves.

Trust me, many will back me on this - 100% guaranteed. JUST GO ! You will wonder what you ever worried about. You may well come back a totally different person.

[chris gale]

You can buy a travel book that has about a hundred or so pictures of things you are most likely to want eg hotel, drink, chicken, eggs, water, fuel, doctor etc etc. Its pocket sized and a bit Janet and John but works a treat........ Used it in india when the word for toilet and bill were confused by my terrible pronunciation, the shop owners howled with laughter as did we when we realised what we thought we were asking for.
Not expensive and a good back up for where English isn't common, the locals can also teach you what the words for each picture is, as can you for them.... Great fun after a few s

[reallybigtruck]

I think this is the book that Chris means:
Development of picture dictionary (2007-2013) - » Boxo which is now also available as a smartphone app.

In Eastern Europe German gets you a long way, but beyond that you're mainly using hand, feet and facial gestures. And that works fine. I speak 5 or 6 languages which is absolutely useless once you get further away from Europe...

[Shrekonwheels]

Originally Posted by g6snl

Speaking queens english is quite important too. I allways have to speak for my wife as she has a "suffolk" accent which non english english speakers have difficulty with. But yes as said learn some basic stuff. Even just hello is good.

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I would rather try to talk to some undesovered tribe over communicate with a Brit

[Lonerider]

Originally Posted by Shrekonwheels

I would rather try to talk to some undesovered tribe over communicate with a Brit

Maybe if you did your spelling might improve


Back to the topic....
Going to countries where you do not speak the native tongue is some of the fun...isn't it? I find it very interesting trying to get your point across to some one who does not have a clue what you are saying
Geting to know some basics is good too

Wayne

[Shrekonwheels]

Originally Posted by Lonerider

Maybe if you did your spelling might improve


Back to the topic....
Going to countries where you do not speak the native tongue is some of the fun...isn't it? I find it very interesting trying to get your point across to some one who does not have a clue what you are saying
Geting to know some basics is good too

Wayne

English is clearly my last language, as it is to Auto Correct


I think people fear the language barrier far more than necessary, a bigger hurtle is leaning to squat over a hole in the floor or a tiny toilet with no seat.

Then there is the NO TOILET PAPER!!! The Heathens! Soon you learn the importance of a water bottle not for drinking..........

[g6snl]

Make sure you come back and tell us what a great time you had

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