You Must Learn These Phrases before Traveling to a Foreign Country

Photo by Mg Cthu on Unsplash

Let’s face it: if you speak English, you can get by while traveling almost anywhere in the world. The English language has become the world’s lingua franca, and a huge number of people on the planet can at least get by in the language of Shakespeare.

However, we recommend at least learning a few phrases in a country’s native language if you are set to travel there. Not only does it show that you are interested in the place’s culture, but it also demonstrates respect and friendliness. Commit yourself to at least learning these phrases in the language of whatever place you are going to travel to!

“Hello!”

The simplest world to learn in any language is “hello,” so you should take the time to learn how to at least greet someone in their native tongue. This will endear you to waiters and waitresses, shopkeepers, and people that you meet passing on the street.

“Goodbye!”

If you have learned how to say “hello” in a language, why not learn how to say “goodbye?” While the majority of your conversation with someone might take place in English, if you at least greet yourself and bid farewell in their native tongue, you will score major points.

“Do you speak English?”

Not all people that you come across will speak English while traveling, which is why it’s important to learn how to ask people if they speak English in their native language. That way, if a person doesn’t speak your language, they will not feel embarrassed or ashamed when asked if they can communicate in English.