funtotravel.info ISSUES: ¿Habla usted inglés? Getting by if you don't speak the language

The truth is that as an English speaker, you are likely to be spoiled language-wise when you travel in a lot of areas around the world. English has become the language of travel, and in areas like Southeast Asia, India and Nepal, English is spoken by many people associated with the tourist industry, meaning that staff in hotels, guest houses, restaurants, tourist sights and travel agents (as well as the numerous touts) are used to speaking to tourists in English. Lucky you if you speak English (and we assume you do if you’re reading this!). This does not mean though that you should ignore your obligations as a visitor in another country: make an effort to learn at least a few words of the local language wherever you go (hello, please, thank you and goodbye should be the bare minimum). Not only does it show that you are making an effort to communicate in the local language, but it shows respect for where you are and means you are much more likely to be treated favourably by whoever you are speaking to.

Please DO NOT make the classic mistake that English-speaking travellers abroad make: if someone does not seem to understand you when you speak to them in English then please, please, please do not just speak louder and slower in English while gesticulating wildly. You will be amazed how many times you will see this bewildering behaviour from tourists on their travels – it’s rude and embarrassing. So please make an effort and have a go at speaking the local language: it will also help you feel less intimidated or paranoid in situations where you are not sure exactly what is going on.

There are certain areas that you will travel in where people will have no understanding of English whatsoever, and why should they. This is where it pays to speak some of the language. South and Central America are perfect examples of this, since Spanish (except in Brazil where it’s Portuguese) is the common language. Here you cannot expect to be understood if you speak English, other than in the most touristy areas (Cuzco in Peru for example), so it pays to learn some Spanish before you head over there. If you have the time and the money why not take some lessons when you’re over there – it’s a really rewarding thing to do, and by immersing yourself in the experience you are bound to learn the language faster and more efficiently.

How do you say 'No, just a trim please!' in Spanish?!

You may face similar linguistic problems if you are a non-French speaker in parts of western Africa where French is the official language. If you plan to travel here then try and learn some French before you arrive as it will get you a long way.

If you plan to travel around somewhere with a different alphabet (i.e. Japan, China, Russia or Korea to name a few), then our best tip is to take a guide-book that has the symbols for each destination or sight printed in them next to the English name. This is unbelievably useful and practical for things like asking for directions or giving instructions to a taxi driver if you can’t find an English speaker and are really struggling with the language. Pointing at the symbol, intimating that you don’t know where to go and smiling may seem a little rude, but it’s far better than simply speaking loudly and slowly in English! It’s worth noting though that even in these regions (maybe with the exception of Russia), at least some English will be spoken in most hostels and guesthouses.

If you are planning on taking an Interrail/Eurail trip around Europe then you are likely to be passing through countries where a lot of different languages are spoken. Make an effort to learn the basic words in German, French and Spanish and as many other languages as are relevant for the countries that you are visiting, but note that English is becoming increasingly widely spoken in tourist areas. This does not though give you an excuse to be lazy or rude and go shouting English at staff in train stations/restaurants etc!

Another tip that might come in handy if you are really struggling to breach the language barrier is to ask the staff in your hostel for help (assuming of course that they speak English!). Whether you are wanting to book a train ticket, have your hair cut or order a particular dish in a restaurant, ask the guys in your hostel to write down what you’re after in the local language on a piece of paper and take it to wherever you need to use it. We’ve done this in countries as diverse as Brazil, Egypt, China and Bolivia and it has worked like a charm every time.

Don’t forget, if worst comes to worst and you are really struggling to make yourself understood, then smiling and using sign language can sometimes work. At best you’ll get your point across and get what you want, and at worst you’ll look like a bit of an idiot but at least you’ll give anyone watching a good laugh. Keeping a smile on your face and your sense of humour intact will get you through almost everything!