If you’re planning on a round the world adventure or are currently out travelling, how much of a language do you feel you should know for each country?
In Mexico it has been suggested to me many times to take some language classes since when I arrived I had no knowledge beyond “Hasta la vista, baby”, “Yo quiero taco bell” and “Un, Dos, Tres, (*mumbles some lyrics*) Maria”. I was originally only going to be in Mexico for a few weeks (that changed, I found I’m a very slow traveller) and after that would probably need Portuguese, French, German, Dutch and eventually some Asian languages as I slowly crawl around the planet… how much can a traveler be expected to pick up?
I’ve become quite curious how other travellers do this. So far I’ve learned some basic Spanish phrases and can understand a tiny bit when spoken to very slowly but I know I’m missing out on a lot of the culture. I’ve heard some say that it’s possible to become fluent in 3 months (*brain implodes at the thought!*). For me it’s feeling like learning even basic conversation for each country I want to visit is beyond overwhelming. There’s so much to be learning almost every minute of travel as it is, and adding language classes may be more than I can handle without my brain turning to mush.
As it is I often am finding myself speaking “Spenchlish”… which is what I’m currently calling my new, fluent language. It’s the odd combo that my mouth spits out when I’m trying to say something in Spanish but my brain inexplicably throws in random French, then quickly tries to correct with broken English. Yes, I’ve had quite a few blank stares and more than a few giggles, but in my defence I’ve heard others fall into using “Spenchlish” (or maybe it’s “Spanglais”) at times as well.
I’m starting to wonder if it’s part of the difference between a traveller that’s out to really understand the world and a tourist on a prolonged vacation. But, how much of each language can a traveller realistically be expected (or expect) to learn if they aren’t planning on living in the country for an extended time?
Which leaves me back to the question, which is it going to be for me? I’m currently in Guanajuato, Mexico which has an amazing amount of language classes and tutors willing to teach Spanish for very reasonable prices. I feel like I’m at a crossroads, stay here a few weeks and pick up basic conversation or continue to move along with travelling and hope to pick up what is needed along the way.
I’ve tried to look inward for the answer that best suits me, but I’m now asking advice and opinions.
When out in a foreign country, do you rely on hand signals (which can vary from culture to culture) and facial expressions? Use phrase books to ask questions? (And if so, how do you understand the responses?) Do you try to learn basic phrases, or even up to light conversation? Do you try to be selective and learn languages that are more common worldwide and would be handy further along your travels? Do you end up talking mostly to other backpackers and expats, usually in English? How do you decide how much to learn in the (perhaps) limited time?
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
When I visited Nepal in 2000, my traveling companion and I studied our phrase books each morning over breakfast. We practiced on the waiters, asking them to correct our pronunciation, and would then try out our newly earned knowledge during the day. One morning, our victim, er…waiter asked us if we were aid workers living in the country because our pronunciation was so good! By the end of our 3 week trip, I managed to buy a couple of items, including haggling and a little humor, all in Nepali. I was so proud! Of course, we left the next day and I’ve forgotten all but a few words.
I guess my advice would be learn as much as you can because the rewards in terms of greater connections with and insights into the local culture are great, but if you have the itch to move on, don’t let it slow you down. The trip, after all, is about satisfying your wanderlust not earning academic accolades.
Don’t stress over it. Use the phrasebooks. Learn a few phrases.
Please
Thank you
You’re welcome
Where is the hotel/hostel/police/restaurant/bathroom
in the local language will go a long way.
If people had to be fluent to travel, no one would go anywhere. The pocket phrasebooks are invaluable. And the locals will appreciate you even trying, as opposed to just spitting English at them.
.-= brian´s last blog ..Best Travel News and Deals – March 9, 2010 – Walk Around the World, 77 Yrs Young and Traveling, Free Things To Do When Traveling, Mobile Boarding Passes, Travel to Colombia =-.
Thanks for the advice! I think so far I’m going to keep learning the basics and try to pick more up as I travel, using my phrase book when I get stuck. Stopping to attempt to become better at the language does seem a bit odd when I’m not intending to live here.
I was just very taken aback at the amount of locals and backpackers that suggested (some rather strongly) that without knowing Spanish I wouldn’t be able to make it off the main tourist areas in Mexico.
I guess I’ll find out soon, some of the places I want to go seem unheard of by the backpackers I’ve run into. So far though you’re both right, even very broken Spanish has been greeted with smiles and help.
Hi Catia
I have never seen you run from a challenge and this seems like one. Good luck and have fun conquering these language challenges. I think the main thing is to have fun. Love ya and think about you all the time.
Great post! This made me laugh, especially the part about mumbling lyrics in foreign languages. I love that you’re trying to learn Spanish! It’s such a fun way to learn about the culture. Jokes, phrases, synonyms, etc are always enlightening.
I’d love to add one word to Brian’s great list: Learning how to say “cheers” in almost any language can be a swift way to break the ice, depending on the culture, of course.
I came down here to Costa Rica for a month and signed up for classes, and now I’m glad i did. My one-month trip turned into a three-month and is now at seven months. But when I was backpacking, I did exactly what you did. Study the basics, ask waiters, do charades. Have fun!!
.-= Abby´s last blog ..New immigration law: who gets it? =-.
agh, I’m definitely NOT a linguist!
language is hard for me.
i’m currently trying to learn my native dialect, and i’m actually doing decent for only being here two months. i find that i know a LOT of words already, but to pick them and turn them into sentences is a whole other beast. my mind has to think in english and translate rather than automatically having dialect at my disposal. i’ve heard you are truly fluent when your brain no longer has to process/think in the ‘translation’. i can’t imagine being fluent in only three months!! wow. trying to speak in sentences to me is like trying to grab these words that are floating in my head that translate to english, and it’s hard to pick and choose the right words sometimes, and fit them together in correct sentences!
as for what to learn, i would just at least learn basics. when i was in india, there is a HUGE language barrier. most people don’t speak ANY english. i mean, verrry little. they are super impressed and delighted when foreigners talk in hindi. it shows we’re willing to learn.
also, i think of “tourist” as an insult. haha. is it just me?
.-= floreta´s last blog ..A Little More Zen =-.
With the very few places I have visited I too have found that people truly appreciate someone that makes the attempt to speak their language no matter how badly it goes.
And in my case, it went very badly.
On an amusing note, while I was trying to figure out how to say a few things in Spanish, French kept jumping in. Apparently I speak a bit of “Spenchlish” too. :)
- Well, it depends, but you certainly have some, or rather much luck, for the present that History gave to you, the English language. It just happens it is the most widely spoken/understood in the world, as a first or a second, or simply the basics of it to communicate with the visitors… (Yes, Chinese is spoken by more people, but 95% of them are in China!)… That said, I’d expect that as a Canadian you can make yourself understood in French, it is another major help… Then again, to learn some more Spanish, sort of a basic course, wouldn’t be a bad idea… Because it is not only for use in Mexico, but also in a lot larger piece of the world, as are Central & South America… & Spain..! You won’t want to miss so much…
– Anyway, good luck! From a Mexican in CANcun… Come down take a look… ;-)
I figure the most important thing is to learn the basics.
1. Good day
2. How are you
3. I am sorry I am unable to speak much more, Do you speak English?
4. I am looking for a camping site / cheap hotel
5. I need to find a place to eat.
6. I’d kill for a beer, which way?
7. Thank you very much
8. I love this place
.-= Guy McLaren’s last blog: Autism Awareness =-.
Whatever you do, be careful when you use a foreign language. My neighbor went to Spain a few years ago, and while he was there (for whatever reason), he needed to buy underwear. In his attempt to communicate this, he was thrown out of a store.