Language barriers while traveling

[FlyChicaga]

Having done minimal traveling outside the US until now, I was curious how some of you overcome language barriers in various parts of the world. In the next year or so I would like to start traveling internationally to head to Paris, London, Dublin, Costa Rica, Italy, Germany and a few other spots. I do speak some French, but my mastery of the language has disappeared over time. Is it extremely difficult to get around without speaking some of the native language? Any tips about international travel which you have found made things extremely easier?

 

[midlifeflyer]

My wife and I spent 3-1/2 weeks driving through Europe - France, Netheralnds, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy. Unlike the US and the UK, you'll find that in most other countries, being able to speak more than one language is pretty standard. The second language, more often than not, is English.

You'll have very little trouble in the cities. And if you speak a little of their language and try your best you'll be amazed how quickly the reaction to the "ugly American" stereotype disappears.

"Deux pressions, s'il vous plait" ("Two draft beers, please") coming from an English-speaker is almost guaranteed to get you a smile.

 

[sqwkvfr]

language barriers in various parts of the world.

Northern Minnesota....ever seen the movie "Fargo?"

 

[Ailerongirl]

Fly Chicaga....learn a few phrases before you leave, and take a phrase book with you. The 'Ugly American' stereotype is alive and kicking, but as midlifeflyer said, make the effort, and you'll find that most Europeans will love the opportunity to practice their English on you However if you don't make an effort at all, you'll find that no one speaks a word of English....

 

[FlyChicaga]

Yes, I've experienced what you are talking about first hand. I had an overnight in Montreal, and made a point to use some French whenever I could... you could actually see the person's mood change.

As a second question... I have planned on just using a pass, but is it possible to jumpseat overseas without an exceptional amount of effort? Good carriers to do so? We aren't CASS yet...

Thanks for the replies so far!

 

[Jack Schitt]

I was curious how some of you overcome language barriers in various parts of the world. In the next year or so I would like to start traveling internationally to head to Paris, London, Dublin, Costa Rica, Italy, Germany and a few other spots

I think they still speak English in England and Ireland. I could be wrong though.

 

[FlyChicaga]

Well, yes. But if you've ever drank with an Irishman you'd realize it really is a different language!

 

[garf12]

Its no problem at all, I have traveled all over europe and almost everyone know english. I took 3 years of french in high school so that helps alot.

I'm leaving for Amsterdam tomorrow morning and I cant wait! I am a little worried though because I have 58 minutes to make my international connection in ATL, comming from DFW.

 

[FlyingToIST]

You won't have problem in Netherlands. I have been always amazed by the amount of foreign language mastery of Dutch. Germany is not a problem either. Everyone (well, almost) speaks English. Scandinavian countries are going to be smooth as well.

Expect some hardship in Italy though.. I have never been to France, so I have no clue. The rule of thumb is, closer you get to some touristic places, easier it is going to get..

 

[Gulfstream 200]

English is pretty common all over Europe these days.

But as most said, make the effort to speak thier language a bit. It goes a long way.

Best bit of advice --- BE PATIENT -- they dont move nearly as quick as we are used to. Dinner starts late and takes a long time, etc...

Bone up a bit on tipping procedures, etc...and I always found that telling helpful locals how beautiful thier city/country is always got a smile. Europeans are fairly proud of thier places/traditions.

PS - the dollar is great now (gasp) dont plan on buying $hit. I bought a medium Starbucks a few weeks ago in London and it was about $8. A coke in Milan - 4euro. (6 bucks)

 

[sonofaeagle]

Here is what you do.


Be really loud and obnoxious. When talking to people speak really loud and slow. (In enligh) If you don't sound pissy you're doing it wrong. Try very hard to give off the impression that the people around you owe you something. Standing out like a sore thumb is essential.

Ok in reality...
Like everyone says, try to say a couple things in their language and they will be very happy. My girlfriend speaks fluent French so I just keep my mouth shut unless I'm throwing in a yes/no, thankyou, hello etc. I do a lot of nodding and smiling.

 

[uwochris]

I have been to both Holland and France. I speak French fluently, and know no Dutch, but I got around fine (then again, I was with my mom, who is a Dutch woman!).

Generally, people will assume you know the local language. Smile, and tell them you do not speak their tongue (at least learn how to say this in the native language... in French, it is "Désolé, mais je ne parle pas français."). Finally, whenever you need help with directions or with translations, find the hottest girl nearby and ask her

 

[pireps]

As far as I know, United and Delta allow int'l jumpseating. I've gone to Europe on ZED-fare passes several times, check your airline's agreement for the specific carriers. While jumpseating can get you to a "gateway" city like London or Frankfurt, inner-european travel is easiest with a pass. Check out Swiss if XJT has a ZED agreement with them. They go all over Europe and beyond. Very easy and cheap, too.

 

[nosewheel]

Why jumpseat Take the high speed train!!! There cheap,fast, clean and you get to see the country side. Our crews use the train often when commuting in Europe and much more fun than going through airport security and getting on a stupid airplane! Also you will find English pretty much spoken in most of Europe but as previously mentioned, it dosn't hurt to try and speak a little of the local language. Have Fun.

 

[typhoonpilot]

Any tips about international travel which you have found made things extremely easier?

Buy the Lonely Planet Guide to wherever you are going. Also buy the Lonely Planet Phrase Book for the country you are travelling to. They are far and away the best guides for the single traveller on a budget.

Only go to one or max two countries on any given trip. Use bus and train to get around inside that country. With the Dollar as weak as it is right now I would probably target non-Euro countries in the Eastern part of Europe. Croatia, Hungary, the Czech and Slovak Republics, and Poland would all be worth a look.

Typhoonpilot

 

[YaMama]

A humble "Do you speak English?" seems to get things off on the right foot with French ticket clerks and the like. You'll be surprised how much can be said just with body language and context, especially if they're willing to work with you on body language. Even if you know they don't speak English, it often helps to talk anyway, because your gestures and tone of voice will say a lot (make sure your tone is patient and kind). Use your hands and face to communicate what you're not getting across in words. Learn "hello," "please," and "thank you" for every country that you visit.

It's much harder to find English-speakers in Latin America than in Europe - if you're going to be there for any length of time, learning some basic Spanish would probably be a wise investment of your time.