Travelling to different states or countries is always fun. You get to explore the different cultures, food, traditions and places. Communicating to the locals also helps while travelling. But the languages that you are fluent in, the locals too don’t need to be. This can give rise to a language barrier. But do not worry, there are some tips to overcome language barriers and communicate effectively with the locals.
1. Learn The Basic Words
This is not as hard as it sounds. You can try and learn the basic words in the local language of the place you are about to visit. This will help you get through your basic queries. Also knowing a bit of the language can help you establish a connection with the locals. This connection will make them more willing to understand and help you.
2. Be Polite And Smile
Imagine you are a local and some foreigner comes to talk to you. Won’t you feel at ease and more willing to help if the person is very polite and flashes a pleasant smile at you. This is the power of being polite and smiling. This behaviour makes the other person know you are willing to understand and lightens the mood. Do not get irritated if the person fails to understand you, be calm.
3. No Leading Questions
The person may or may not be well versed with the language that you are speaking in, so do not ask leading questions. This can create problems because even if the person has chosen an option, you never know if he understood what you meant. Ask open-ended questions. Like ‘what time will the bus arrive?’ instead of ‘will the bus arrive at 1 or 11:30?’
4. Use Written Stuff Or Photographs
If you are lucky and have met someone who understands your language and the local language well, get some things written down by him or her on paper. You can use them as cards to flash and ask. You can also use photographs of places or things to help the other person understand better.
5. Use Translators
If the locals cannot at all understand your language and you have access to the internet. You can download translating apps like Google Translate and let it help you. These apps aren’t always 100 per cent accurate but help you to a lot of extent.