You have everything prepared. Your travel plan is ready, your money is ready, and your suitcase is ready too. You’re stressed while waiting for your flight at the airport. The reason is the fear of not being able to communicate or not being able to learn English. Not knowing a foreign language is actually a barrier to travel for many people. Some are afraid to travel because they fear they will have trouble due to not knowing the language. So, what can we do to overcome the fear of a foreign language?
Traveling Without Knowing a Foreign Language
Even if you don’t know a foreign language, you can still find opportunities to practice while you’re there. Developing technology is gradually eliminating the language problem. Offline word lists will be very helpful to you during your travels. You can easily access word meanings and translations by downloading the application on your phone. Although this method does not provide an accurate translation, it will help you express yourself. Since you learn words by experiencing them, they will also be permanent in your brain.
Another solution to avoid trouble abroad is pocket guides. You can buy a guide that is translated into your own language and the language of the country you are going to. This way, you can easily make simple sentences in a restaurant, shopping, museum, public transportation, or on the street.
How to Learn a Foreign Language While Traveling?
The words we learn while traveling can be more permanent than those we learn in school. English, the world’s lingua franca, can help you remember more easily by leaving a memory. You should practice a little before you travel. You should practice speaking emergency sentences in front of a mirror.
You can also learn English while traveling. You can force yourself to speak by interacting with people around you. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes because speaking English requires more courage than skill. Repeat new words in your mind. If possible, try to use them where you go. This way, you can learn English while traveling.
Using Travel English
Even if you don’t know any foreign language, you can have travel English through guides, dictionaries, and applications. There are simple phrases that you can use in different areas such as hotel, restaurant, public transportation, passport, menu, or pharmacy. By using them, you can communicate easily.