Would you vacation in a country where you don't know the language? (European, easy)
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Absolutely. I vacationed in Iceland, English was widely spoken, however, so it wasn't as much of a culture shock as one may think. If you're concerned about it, just do some research, perhaps try to learn a few key phrases. Find an English speaking tour group to get you acclimated to the area. Don't let language barriers stop you from traveling and experiencing a new country and culture!
Good luck!
Of course. It would be pretty limiting otherwise. Most places I have been to I did not speak the language. Of course I always try to learn a few basic sentences beforehand but to me the joy of travel is being thrown off at the deep-end and learning how to swim....
How many people speak Mongolian or Urdu , Kyrgyz or Hindi ? I would end up with a rather limited choice of destinations if I was constrained by language.
I have never really had any problems , somehow the human individual is capable of communication with little or no language skills. I have had quite a funny and confusing episodes but they all add up to the experience and adventure.
I can speak French fluently, used to be fluent in Spanish, German and Italian but of course in most countries in the world this is just useless !
I am sure I have eaten some pretty bizarre stuff, except I did not know it as I had no idea what I was eating .... Just as well perhaps. Sometimes not knowing the language might be a good thing.
I find as long as you make the effort to learn a little of the native language people are always really friendly and helpful and hand gestures and facial expressions can help a lot !
Yes, I would... and have done so many times. Many people overseas speak English to a greater or lesser extent, and it's easy and fun to communicate with gestures, facial expressions and a phrasebook. It's also very easy to learn a few key words in the language of the country you're in... hello, good evening, thank you, how much, and where is. You'd be amazed how far those few words will get you!
Of course - why limit yourself. We never use travel companies to do tours - we just make them up and if we visit places where we know language will be a problem we hire a local guide. Its worked perfectly when we have do this in China, India, Vietnam, Burma, Nepal and Tibet. Most european languages you can get by with a phrase book as they tend to have good phonetic translations. It adds to the fun !!
Frequently. A few times I have just completely guessed when looking at a menu and hoped the food didn't suck. I have gotten lucky to meet people that have a little english in some countries, too. I remember in Russia asking a lady when they close, my Russian is pretty pathetic and she had no idea about english, but we figured it out. Also, in Gemany I needed a calling card, but the clerk had no english (my german is limited to food and drinks, haha), but we still figured it out through hand signals.
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Certainly! What is the fun / challenge / education in sequestering yourself over your personal communication comfort level? You gotta 'get out' to learn another language and how it is using in cultural context. I enjoy the challenge and certainly the beauty (expressiveness) of other languages.
I think the resultant judgment meted out at the building of the 'Tower of Babel' was a solution with great merit in utilizing the cranial capacity of mankind.
Of course. It would be pretty limiting otherwise. Most places I have been to I did not speak the language. Of course I always try to learn a few basic sentences beforehand but to me the joy of travel is being thrown off at the deep-end and learning how to swim....
Exactly. If I'd go to countries that only spoke my languages, I'd never have seen all the ones I fell in love with where they didn't. Why limit yourself?
I agree with absolutely ..... in many tourist areas knowing english will be enough to get you part of the way, as english speaking people make up a large part of the travelling public
When you run into places that aren't as heavy tourist destinations or where english really isn't something you'll come across you can still figure it out
Gestures, pointing, expressions, etc are all a great way to communicate
Even if you go to a place where you can get by with your native tongue, learn a few phrases to go with it ..... even if it's just a matter or respect
Often though it will help greatly in bridging the gaps
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