Looking ahead to when the world finally starts to get back to a state of ‘the new normal’, there’s no doubt you will have all kinds of travel plans in mind since you’ve more than likely been stuck at home for the best part of a year. These plans will most likely be centered around fresh new destinations, world-famous landmarks and an itinerary full of activities. However, why not take this opportunity of new beginnings to learn a new language while you travel? Rather than simply picking up a phrasebook on your way through the airport and leaving it in the bottom of your suitcase, these next few tips will help you pick up some of the local lingo as you travel.
Take Advantage of Online Classes
The most common way of learning to speak a foreign language is to enroll in an online course or use language learning apps. However, some of these can be both costly and lengthy. If you want to pick up the language fast to help you get around while on vacation in Thailand, for example, there are alternatives. This blog from Learn Thai from a White Guy can help you read and speak Thai quickly, even if you are tone-deaf or consider yourself a slow learner. As long as you have a laptop and access to a good Wi-Fi connection, you can be taking part in basic conversations within a few weeks. If you take the time to learn a new language for traveling you can look back on your time away with pride, and realize that you opened up new experiences that may not have otherwise been possible
Think of it as an Adventure
Learning a language doesn’t have to be boring, and if it starts to feel like a mundane chore rather than something to look forward to, you will quickly lose interest. While you are traveling, take the opportunity to make it into a fun adventure. For example, you can listen to the music of the country you are visiting, watch movies in their language while reading the subtitles, or simply take part in the local traditions and activities. It’s all about immersing yourself in the culture, enjoying yourself, and picking up the language along the way.
Focus on Common Words and Phrases
If you try too hard to master perfect grammar, you’ll end up missing the point of learning the language in the first place, which is to communicate with the locals! Instead of focusing on the little details and trying to get it just right, focus on the common words and phrases that you are likely to use on your travels. This will most likely be how to greet people, how to ask for directions, and questions about food and prices. With the limited amount of time you have in the country, you’ll be thankful that you invested time studying the right areas.
Try Not to Let Self Consciousness Hold You Back
Lastly, it’s worth remembering that being self-conscious and afraid to speak the language is only going to hold you back. If you don’t seize the opportunity to speak to anyone and everyone you can, you will not progress as you intended. Nobody will expect you to speak fluently or get everything right the first time, but the only way you will learn is from your mistakes. Not only this, but you will probably gain more respect from the locals by attempting to communicate in their language.
If you take the time to learn a new language as you travel, you can look back on your time away with pride, and realize that you opened up new experiences that may not have otherwise been possible. You will hopefully have gained a better insight into different cultures, and expanded your worldly knowledge.
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