Beat the Language Barrier: Top Tips for Learning a New Language
When travelling, trying to beat the language barrier can become a hurdle. However, don’t let this put you off exploring the world and meeting new people.
Travelling to a new country can be unnerving – new places, laws and regulations, and top of that the obstacle of not knowing the language. If you are looking to overcome this issue, there are different ways you can beat the barrier.
Of course, you don’t need to be fluent in every language for each destination you visit. But knowing a few common phrases can always help you out of a sticky situation.
With technology advancements, and a lot of the world knowing how to speak English, we are at an advantage! There’s no reason to fumble your way through trying to ask where the toilets are or ordering a salad instead of a beer.
Let’s get into the top tips for leaning a new language.
The tips you need to beat the language barrier:
- Learn the important phrases first
- Use technology to help you along
- Listen and learn from locals
- Use body language
- Speak using simpler sentences
- Be kind to yourself
Learn the important phrases first
Although this may seem an obvious tip, we thought it was a valuable one to include. By important phrases, we don’t mean “4 pints of lager please” (although that is a handy one to know). But more along the lines of:
- Hello/Goodbye
- Please/ Thank you
- How much does this cost?
- Where is the bathroom?
- I need help.
- I’m not fluent in your language.
- Do you speak English?
These few ‘survival’ phrases will be helpful no matter what country you find yourself in. Plus, it’s best to show you have tried to learn some of the local language. It’s always appreciated by locals, even if your pronunciation isn’t the best! A pleasant hello and a touch of politeness goes a long way.
If you have essential words which you think are more relatable, for example if you have a medical condition, or maybe the little ones are on board, add these to your list of important phrases.
Phrases like “Do you speak English” are always helpful, especially when you are struggling to find the words you are looking for. Plus, by doing it in the local language, it shows more etiquette.
Use technology to help you along
We know that technology isn’t always the most reliable. Google Translate can sometimes leave you more confused than when you started off. On the other hand, if it’s there – why not use it?
There are plenty of fantastic language learning apps which can start you off on your linguistic journey. Duolingo is the world’s most popular app for learning new languages. By making it interesting through lessons and earning rewards, it also makes it fun! Plus, it’s free to use, so it’s a win-win.
Babbel is another popular choice, unlike Duolingo it’s not a free app but the content is worth the cost. The exercises are more challenging, but wherever you are in your language progression, Babbel can adapt its lessons to this.
Google Translate is obviously a classic when it comes to beating the language barrier. A handy part of the app is the translation of text. If you scan your phone over a menu, it can translate the whole menu in live time! There’s no need to write out each food item individually to find out what you would like for your dinner.
Listen and learn from locals
There’s no better way to learn than to just get stuck in. By taking the opportunity to chat to those nearby, you can use your new skills in a real-life environment.
It’s great to learn a language by reading and writing, but it can make it difficult to understand the pronunciation. By listening to those who know the language best, your articulation of words will be a lot better.
That being said, it can sometimes be a little nerve-wracking trying to engage in a conversation with someone who is fluent in the language. If you are in a relaxed environment where there is less pressure, this would be the best time to strike up a conversation.
If you don’t feel comfortable with that just yet, just listening to nearby interactions can help to beat the language barrier.
Use body language
As one of the most universal ways of communicating, using your body language is always a handy tip to follow. Facial expressions and hand movements are the perfect combination to use when trying to interact.
We all know the classic of signalling the get the bill, but a quick Google search can help learn some common hand gestures in the country you’re visiting.
A recommendation would be to also do a check to see if any gestures are offensive . Due to cultural differences, whilst one gesture to you might be innocent, you could be quick to offend a local.
However, don’t turn to creating a game of charades as you converse – sometimes it’s easier to accept you just don’t know that certain word! But, that’s okay, we don’t have to know every single word straightaway. Just remember, learning a new language is difficult and it will take time.
Speak using simpler sentences
When starting out, you sometimes end up speaking kind of like a toddler. Missing out words and trying to string a sentence together, don’t worry if this is you!
If you start by using simpler sentences, eventually you will be able to complete full phrases with ease. By managing only a few words at a time, the sentiment will still be there and you will still be able to portray the same message.
Simplifying your sentences reduces the chance for miscommunication and confusion between you and the person you’re in an exchange with.
Be kind to yourself
It’s easy to want to give up. Like we have said, learning a new language isn’t something you can do over night, it takes time and dedication! Don’t be too hard on yourself if you find yourself struggling.
The rewards of knowing multiple languages outweigh the time it may take. Just think how pleased the locals will be to know you have worked hard to be able to interact with them.
We all learn at different paces, so if it takes you a longer time to learn one phrase than another – then so be it!
Are you ready to use your new skills?
Why not hop on a plane and put your new language skills to the test! You’ve put in the hours of learning, now is the time to see if you can execute a conversation with ease.
With our latest offers, there are plenty of destinations thriving with culture, excursions and different languages to learn.
Just click the blue button below, pick a new location, and see if you can beat the language barrier.
