I would love to learn a few languages as I feel it is very important to communicate in the language of the country you are visiting, even if it is just a few words at a time. I certainly know I would be confused with the similarity of Italian and Spanish. A couple of years ago I wanted to learn a bit of Portuguese before we travelled deeper into Mozambique so I downloaded an audible book on my iPod. While I was busy doing boring chores I would listen to this book and I managed to pick up quite a few words and phrases. The trick is though, to continue to listen or speak the language or you lose it very quickly, as I have done, but occasionally a word pops up when we revisit Moz. I definitely think living in a country leaves you with no option but to learn and pick up the language with normal day to day living. Google translate or any other translation apps is also very handy when you are stuck for a word.
Reply to this We agree with you Alma that it is important to communicate in the language of the country you are visiting. Each country we have visited me make an effort to speak in their language even if they know english. Most people seem to appreciate the effort even if you only know a few words.
Reply to this after 5 months in Latin America we were able to understand a lot and speak a little bit with no prior preparation or language courses but only when we took a Spanish course in Guatemala it all clicked together ....
I still remember how proud I was when we were crossing the Guatemalan-Mexican border in the middle of nowhere and we could say simple but full sentences to people over there. It was incredible and even though we both had gone through the process of learning English before this moment was like nothing else before hahah
The best thing is to live in a country/countries where you just have to understand and speak the language....the pace of learning is incredible no matter what age you are and what background you come from:-)
B
Reply to this I studied English for about ten years in school before going to England... I got there and couldn't understand anything!! it was very frustrating and I guess it had something to do with the teaching method we had in school: teaching how to read and write but not how to speak!!!! :D
For me, the best thing I could do to learn English was moving to England!... when I arrived there I couldn't even understand the radio or tv, but one day I woke up... and I was fluent!!! :D I really think the best way to learn is moving to a country where they speak the language you want to learn... however I understand that not everybody can do it, so talking to people who have that language as a mother tongue always helps... having said that, Dax is German and after many years together I can barely speak the language!!! 😉
BTW, as a translator myself, I wouldn't recommend to use Google translate! 😉 (just kidding!)
Reply to this Beata - that would be my dream way of learning Spanish! I would love to do an intensive course and then live in/travel around small towns or villages where I would have no choice but to speak it every day.
Deni - I'm so envious of the attitude to learning multiple languages in Europe. The Australian psyche is not as open to it, most likely due to us being isolated over here. We've been watching Eurovision (don't judge us!) and I love the way most of the performers can so easily communicate in so many languages.
Reply to this Ah! Don't be fooled by the bling-bling world of Eurovision! (in which I've heard we (Spain) came second to last 😞 )... they're a special brand of people! 😱
I think the attitude to languages is different in every country, for example in Spain is not that common to find people who speak a second language (other than in turist places), although that is changing, fortunately. However, I know that in places like Scandinavia most of the people can speak English.
I think this has a lot to do with the teaching system and the fact that movies and tv shows are broadcasted in the original language, as opposed to Spain where EVERYTHING is dubbed... even in the news when someone is talking another language, it'll be dubbed instead of using subtitles... a shame, really but very difficult to change.
Also I think the fact that until recently Spanish people traveled mainly within Spain, didn't really motivated people to learn another language. I know lots of people who have never been outside of Spain...
I guess Australia is a bit too far from everything to spend time in another country learning a language and I know Australians like going to live in the UK, where the language is the same! 😱
Reply to this I LOVE Eurovision!!! Where else can you find earnest ballads choreographed with such seriousness while wearing costumes most often found in 1980s American music videos. I especially loved the white outfits that most women singers chose to wear this year. Thankfully Taylor Dane (representing the UK) chose not to follow the continental trend. It's at its very best, however, when the songs are NOT sung in English but in the native tongue of the singer.
Reply to this When I lived in England I used to get together with my friends to watch Eurovision... there were people from different countries and it was good fun!... this year I'm in Spain and didn't even realised it was on!!!
Reply to this Jane - Who was your fave? I'm beginning to think the UK can't find anyone under 50 willing to represent them at Eurovision! Sweden did a fabulous job hosting it, but I was disappointed with the general lack of bling and 'out there' acts.
Deni - We have Eurovision parties in Australia too - they are really good fun!
Reply to this Loved the Hungarian entry - but that really shows my leaning towards the folk genre, not really the Eurovision style. I love it when the acts are so over the top that I'm not sure whether they are taking the **** or not! Or just being European....
The English can't really compete with the Euro style. Nobody under 50 has it in them! I have always loved Sweden since I fell in love with ABBA back in the 70s. Now showing my age, I was there at the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne when I discovered my inner Swede. I grew up thinking I should have been born somewhere else...living in some northern European box masquerading as an apartment, in minus 20 degree temperatures, decorated wall to wall Ikea style...oh well....
Love a Eurovision party. Lots of smallgoods, unpronounceable deli items and wine!
Reply to this In response to the question, I find interacting with locals as the best teacher. You get to retain what you learn quicker and more efficiently because of the immediate feedback.
I very recently learned Malagasy. It helped to write down specific phrases / sentences useful for traveling then have them translated into the local language whenever someone who could was available.
I find talking with children also very useful. 😊
Reply to this I do wish I had read this forum earlier in the year! Having traveled through so many countries this year alone we decided before the outset to at least be able to say 'please' and 'thank you' in each one. Ian achieved this in most but lagging sadly behind I recruited my schoolgirl French to get by. Now I am faced with learning Turkish! We bought the books, the DVD's and anything else we could think of, the only problem is that being dyslexic not one of these helps! Result - Ian learns the language and then VERY patiently spends hours a day adding to my meager collection of Turkish words while refusing to get frustrated that I have completely 'lost' half of them again the next day!
Reply to this Yes, learning a new language of a country or city before you are going to a particular place is a good idea to interact and understand the locals, sign boards, places. As, everyone has to deal with local people on a foreign trip.
Reply to this Learning new language is like writing things on sand. You get to learn a few stuff but then afterwards, it gets lost in the wind. I think if you're planning a short trip, it's bet to get at least basic knowledge on the language you want and practice learning it when you hit your destination from trustworthy locals.
Reply to this Here are some important languages such as English, French, Hindi, Spanish, Italian that traveler must to be Know.
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