There’s a magnetism about the promise of international travel that captivates the imagination of daydreaming travellers looking to escape the everyday. It’s not just the allure of new destinations, breathtaking landscapes and exotic cuisine. There’s a more profound craving for discovery, connection and adventure. People aren’t just ticking off a list of landmarks. They’re immersing themselves in new cultures, forging long-distance friendships and finding new perspectives that transform their view on the world.
To unlock the heart of a destination, you need to hold the key that is the local language. Building your confidence using basic phrases can be a bridge that overcomes the barriers of difference. It shows respect to local cultures. It builds genuine connections with local people. It enriches your experience in ways that a phrasebook or online translation can’t.
Remember the saying ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’? The more you immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the place you’re visiting, the more likely you are to have a transformative experience.
Before you fill your suitcase, make sure you’ve packed one of the most essential items you’ll need to travel – a basic understanding of key phrases, expressions and customs of your destination.
At the CAE, we offer 6-week Languages for Travellers courses specifically designed to help you on your holiday.
Our French for Travellers teacher, Kevin Lane shares why learning a language for travel is a must before your next trip.
The three key questions
Kevin says the focus of any language course can be summed up by three questions:
- “What can I do with the language?”
- “What do I need to know about the language?”
- “What do I need to know about the people and places where the language is spoken?”
Our Languages for Travellers courses teach you how to learn a new language through common phrases that travellers need such as:
- Asking for directions
- Ordering food and drink
- Using transport
- Arranging accommodation
- Seeking help in emergencies
Connections to culture
Beyond helping you navigate a foreign place, learning a language for travel will help you build meaningful connections and expose you to new experiences you wouldn’t otherwise get.
When asked what the most important skill a traveller should learn, Kevin’s answer is simple:
“Meeting and greeting in a culturally appropriate manner – getting off to a good start with people!”
Making meaningful connections starts with a good first impression. Beyond ‘bonjour’, ‘hola’ or ‘ciao’, it’s important to be able to introduce yourself. When you’re getting to know someone, you ask questions like “What’s your name?”, “Where are you from?” and “What do you do for work?”. If you can master some responses that explain your biography, you can get to know someone at more than just face value.
Formal versus informal
All languages have their idiosyncrasies that make them unique. If you’ve never tried learning a language other than English before, you might be surprised at how a language can differ depending on who you’re speaking to or the situation you’re in.
Kevin points to the formal and informal differences in French as an example. In French, there are two ways to say “you” – “tu” is the informal way to address friends and family, “vous” is the formal way to address strangers, people older than you or in professional settings.
“[Our courses are] always linked to the people who use the language. Travel is an intercultural encounter,” Kevin says.
Lifelong learning that goes beyond the holiday
Languages for Travellers courses aren’t just for those about to set sail. Kevin has found that many of his students are people who have returned from holiday, eager to immerse themselves further in the culture they experienced.
“Many students join CAE Travellers courses after their travels, knowing now that doors (and hearts) can open if the target language is spoken.”
“Even with no travel plans, there are always travel dreams and these can be prompted by a more confident grasp of the language.”
Kevin notes that Languages for Travellers courses are a great opportunity to explore whether you want to take on further language study with the CAE.
“As a six-session short course, it’s a chance to sample and survey the language and culture before a next step to ongoing study.”
‘Languages for Travellers’ courses are available in French, Italian and Spanish. Get a head start on your European holiday and enrol now!