How would you communicate another country and could not speak the language . also how do you think you might feel if you were in another country and could not speak the language.
2006-07-30 08:02:23 · 5 answers · asked by heartbeat1516 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
It happens to me all the time. I travel a lot for business all around the world and I only speak English and a little French. I usually feel quite apprehensive. I have to point at a lot of menus. I often end up taking cab rides way out of my way. However, I never resort to talking slowly and loudly in English, as if this behavior is going to magically overcome language barriers. May God bless and keep you.
2006-07-30 08:08:15 · answer #1 · answered by blowry007 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Been there done that.
Smile. People will be willing to help you.
Speak in a normal tone of voice. Unlikely your or the person you are addressing is deaf.
Do not become frustrated, it is not their fault you can't communicate with them.
Use hand signals, point to an items, say the item in your language listen carefully to what the person says, then repeat it and point again and say it in your language. listen for the same words. You are now communicating.
Carry around a book with pictures of things you may need :
food, water, police, airplane.
Don't be afraid to put on a play to demonstrate what it is you need.
Learn how to say Excuse me, Please, Thank you, Yes, No.
Be patient.
Get a dictionary
Find something you are interested in reading and read that. I found that Ottifanten comic books and a dictionary helped me to learn many German words - and I got to laugh while doing it.
Learn how to speak questioningly : Left?
and to be declarative: No! Leave me alone!
The words might not translate but the tone will. This may involve raising or lowering your voice towards the end of a sentence depending on language.
Listen more than you talk, and be aware of how your personality translates, not just your words. Cultural awareness is as important as understanding the language.
Be aware if the language is tonal, in some places changing the tone of a word changes the entire meaning.
Have fun and carefully rely on the kindness of strangers.
Read and Listen!!! Practice speaking as much as possible!
2006-07-30 08:16:54 · answer #2 · answered by xamayca.com 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is really handy if you have a friend who speaks the language then you can just rely on him.
When he was on duty and I was not there was a lot of pointing involved. I felt kind of silly. hey not everyone can know every language though. That is why a lot of places that get foreign people have things any many languages. then you just point at the menu with the British flag and point at what you want in it.
Always keep a brochure from where you are staying with you so that you can just show it to cab drivers and they know where to take you.
Also smile alot. Even if you are really frustrated smile and look happy that they are trying to figure out what they want. kindess and good manners don't need you to understand the words each other are saying.
2006-07-30 08:10:01 · answer #3 · answered by thatoneguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been there and I felt lonely...but the people were wonderful to me..there is a side to all human culture that is willing to help someone who really needs help....primitive sign language..pointing at thins and all helps...but smiles will get you where you want more easily.
2006-07-30 08:07:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
im sure you would start to learn the language and by a your language/their language dictionary
and i would feel pretty stupid
2006-07-30 08:07:24 · answer #5 · answered by rémy613 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋