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How to get by when you don’t speak their Language
Spain is a very popular place for Americans to travel, however most of them don’t actually know Spanish or know very little Spanish at all! Often this creates confusion and puts you at the mercy of strangers who might speak English to help you out and get you where you need to go. By planning ahead you can be well prepared to get by in a country where you don’t know the language.
The first thing you should do is have a lifeline. Know someone in the area that you are visiting that knows both your language and the language of the country you are visiting. If this is not possible, have the phone number of someone that knows both languages so that they can help you out if you get in a jam or medical situation.
Another thing that you should do is practice the language before you get there. There are a number of products and lessons online that will help you pick up a few basic phrases that will help you get around and get by while you are in the country with a foreign language. Putting in an effort to speak a foreign language is also a sign of good will to the people you interact with. They are much more likely to treat you well if you make an effort to speak their language.
Finally, you should get a small guide book with basic phrases for the country you are visiting. You should also get a pocket dictionary to look up any words you don’t know. If you know the basic grammar of a language, you can look up the words and usually make some pretty comprehendible sentences. It won’t sound pretty to native speakers, but it will definitely get you by well enough to move around and ask questions of natives. Along with decent travel insurance, this is a highly helpful addition to a holiday. Check out AA Travel’s website for a package to suit your trip and even if you don’t speak their language, you’ll have the relevant paperwork to get you out of any mishap.
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