Bonjour, Hola, Hello! The Joys and Challenges of Speaking a Foreign Language on holiday.

Discover the joys and challenges of speaking a second language on holiday and whilst living abroad, as I share personal stories and insights that can inspire you to improve your language skills.

Visiting a market in France.

My Experiences and Insights

Have you ever been in another country, trying to order a coffee and suddenly you realise you're using the wrong language or you stumble over your words, resort to ‘Parlez-vous anglais?’ and go red in the face? Or maybe you've had that amazing moment when you chat with a local and it feels like a little victory? Whether it's a win or a mess-up, speaking another language while traveling can be an adventure! I've lived abroad and traveled to a fair few places, so I've had my share of both great and awkward moments. Maybe these stories will incentivise you to practice speaking a second language before your next holiday…

The Joys of Connection

One of the most rewarding aspects of speaking another language while traveling is the ability to connect with people more than a smile does. It's like having a key to unlock new friendships and experiences that would otherwise remain hidden behind the barrier of language. This doesn’t always mean having to have a full on conversation in a second language, it can simply mean knowing the words for hello, good morning, please, thank you and good evening.

Dining out in Greece.

Breaking Down Barriers

Speaking even just a few words in the local tongue can break down barriers quickly. People appreciate the effort, no matter how many mistakes you make along the way. It's like joining a dance group where everyone knows the steps except you; sure, you'll step on some toes initially, but soon enough, you'll get the hang of it and be in time with everyone else.

In a local restaurant on a recent holiday in Greece, we greeted the waiter in Greek which immediately put a smile on his face. Over the course of the evening we asked him how to say various useful phrases which, of course, he was more than happy to share. These small gestures of willingness to learn the language (especially when the alphabet is completely different!) make you less like ‘just another tourist’ and you’re more likely to receive better service and a friendly welcome when you return (which of course we did!). There is also something about going back to the same place on holiday that makes you feel more content and relaxed, and you can even discover more that you hadn’t spotted the first time around. Saying a few words in the native language will help.

Chinatown, New York.

The Challenges

Of course, not every attempt is a success! There are times when speaking another language feels more like being stuck in a maze with no ball of string to guide you back (did you ever do that as a kid?).

There are bound to be misunderstandings—it's part of learning and growing. On a trip several years ago to New York, we spent the day exploring Chinatown. We stopped for lunch in a local restaurant and let’s just say the from the translations on the menu, the food that arrived wasn’t quite what we were expecting! Though surprising at first, the food was delicious and these mishaps provide entertaining stories to share later!

Then there’s that time me and my friends were out in a café in Grenoble. Despite all studying at French universities at the time, we had to ask the waiter for a brownie about six times, each time with a slightly different pronunciation. When he finally understood we were like, yes, that’s what we said! Thankfully it was comical rather than mortifying.

Don't mention chocolate brownies!

Living Abroad

Living abroad offers an entirely different dimension to language learning. Just by listening to and reading the language you’ll find you’ll pick up a lot of vocabulary and phrases before you know it. That was certainly the way for me with Swiss German - I know all my vegetable vocabulary just from visiting the supermarket and reading menus!

Tips for Your Own Holidays

So how can you make your own travel experiences more rewarding? Here are some tips based on what I've learned:

1. Start small. Learn a few basic phrases before your trip. As I mentioned earlier, these greetings work wonders!

2. Be Brave. Don't shy away from using what you've learned. Even if you mispronounce a word or end up repeating yourself a couple of times (remember the brownie?), having a go will make you more confident the next time round.

3. Embrace Mistakes. They're inevitable but invaluable lessons and may even help you remember the correct word, phrase or pronunciation.

4. Engage Locals. Ask questions about their culture. Even if you ask these questions in English to start with, it will help build connections and create an enjoyable experience for everyone.

5. Practice Regularly. Use apps, practice with a friend, or take some lessons before you go and when you return too.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect, but enjoying each interaction and taking them as part of the experience of learning a language.

Embrace Every Opportunity

Embrace every opportunity you can. The experiences have speaking another language enrich our lives, whether through newfound friendships or simply gaining confidence within ourselves in unfamiliar surroundings.

So next time you have the opportunity to speak another language, don’t let fear hold you back. Have a go!

Ready to book your next trip abroad? Start by practicing simple phrases today, and consider taking some private lessons or joining a course before your next holiday.