Many people hesitate to try to speak a foreign language. This could be because they want to feel foolish, are worried about how the sound, they are afraid of sounding silly and so on. Therefore remain decidedly mono-lingual during a trip abroad, preferring to speak loudly in Italian. These are the same people who are intelligent, articulate and never lost for words when speaking in English. The same people who are achievers in other areas of life.
But why? May be because many people learn (or never start) languages in which they leave school and when traveling abroad have only haunting memories of having to learn lists of words or verbs. Yuk. Could also be because many foreign language courses are detailed, very promising and require a long time. However, we come to the point. Who has the time or inclination to spend months learning Spanish / French / German or any other language when planning a three day visit?
Well, maybe things have gone, or perhaps not as regards language learning, while still at school. I do not know, but I know that is fun and can learn some basic language when traveling.
On the basis, I mean basic. How to start? Learn some key word. For example, 'hello' 'goodbye', 'please', 'thankyou'. These are words you hear all the time and can use all the time. To find them and tell them as often as possible. This is a great confidence booster to do this, and once you can do that you have cleared the first hurdle.
I am suggesting that it always pays to learn these words, because there will almost certainly be a better holiday. Try. Taxi drivers and waiters are great and almost always respond positively. When you try to speak another language you stop being a number to them and become a human being.
Almost always receive a positive reaction. In some cases, especially with merchants, it takes more time (a few days) but most will crack eventually and reward you with a recognition that not just another tourist.
So here we are, now you can speak a dozen words fluently. A good start, but perhaps it could be fun to learn some more and as well as on some numbers. Start with 'a', 'two', 'three'. Remember that the goal is not smooth, you start or finish obsessed (like having to count to ten), but have some 'fun and communicate.
Anyone who buys drinks on holiday. This is the perfect opportunity to use the numbers that you know. No matter if you ask for drinks in English. The important thing is to use the opportunity to ask the number of drinks in a foreign language, or to confirm the number of drinks ordered.
Feeling inspired to move on some phrases. A good is 'that was delicious', asssuming, of course, you choose a good restaurant, and it is amazing how the owners will be surprised and appreciation.
Decide in advance what you are going to say. If you are getting a bus or if you intend to take a taxi to learn 'a business' or what will be necessary, but keep it simple.
Start with the simple phrase you can imagine. A common mistake is to make sentences in a foreign language more complicated than necessary. For example, instead of saying 'could you tell me where the beach is?', Is easier to say 'where is the beach?'. In other words, skip non-essential.
So do not be shy, learn ten, twenty or thirty words and some phrases and make sure you use them.
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