There are so many reasons to travel, whether it’s for a long weekend, a week, a month, a year, or a lifetime. Here is part five in a seven post series on why you should travel.
Photo of Travel Guide Books © The Wandering Angel
Easier to Learn a Language
One of the best things about travel is that it gives you the opportunity to learn and practice new language skills. Learning a new language, or practicing your language skills is always easier when surrounded by people speaking that language.
It also helps to have to use a new language to get around – to ask people questions, to read signs, bus and train schedules or ordering food. Speaking a new language in these basic ways can help you later on if you decide to study the language further.
It’s possible you can find someone who speaks your language, but it’s always a good idea to, at the very least, ask someone if they speak your language in their native language. For example, when you visit Montreal, if you aren’t fluent in French and would like to know if someone speaks English, ask them in French if they speak English.
Photo of Street Signs, Montreal, Canada © celebdu
Making an attempt to speak the native language is always greatly appreciated by locals and it helps you to learn a new language.
Bringing a travel phrase book with you when you visit a place where you don’t know the language is a good way to learn basic phrases and words. You will most likely find you’ll use the same handful of phases over and over again and will not have to refer to your phrase book so often.
Some places you can learn and practice a new language:
Montreal: French is the official language of Montreal. Although many people also speak English, it’s a good idea to first speak to locals in French.
Miami: English is the official language of Miami. However, there is a large Hispanic population and influence there. Knowing some Spanish can help you if you go into area where little English is spoken.
Garmisch: German is the official language of Garmisch. It is a popular holiday destination so you may be able to find people who speak a language you do. However, learning some German will help you get around, order food and interact with locals much easier.
