Traveling around the world has taught me a thing or two about communicating with locals, especially when there’s a language barrier. Here are five tips I’ve picked up along the way:
-
Keep it Simple: Use basic verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Instead of asking "when’s the bus due", ask "when does the bus come". It’s easier for non-native English speakers to understand. But remember, don’t talk down to them. Keep your grammar correct and avoid sounding like a toddler.
-
Avoid Leading Questions: People generally want to help, so if they don’t understand your question, they might just say yes to be polite. Instead of asking "Is the bus station straight down here and then left", ask "where is the bus station". This way, if they understand, you’ll get a genuine answer. If they don’t, you’ll know and can ask someone else.
-
Write it Down: If you know you’ll need to communicate something specific in the next few days, like telling a taxi driver you want to go to the airport, get someone who speaks English to write it down for you. This can be a lifesaver, especially in countries where English isn’t widely spoken.
-
Choose the Right Person to Ask: Think about who you’re asking. Younger people, especially university students, are more likely to speak English. If you can’t find anyone, try a 5-star hotel, pharmacy, or bank. They usually have English speakers on staff.
-
Know When to Move On: If you’ve simplified your language, asked an open-ended question, and chosen an appropriate person to ask, but they’re still not understanding you, don’t waste your time or theirs. Thank them and move on.
Stick to these rules and you’ll find communicating in a foreign country much easier. Safe travels!
