Contact natives by using basic words, shared numbers, expressive gestures and a friendly approach to improve communication when speaking to locals in a foreign country.
- Learn a few words and phrases in the native language before your trip to make basic communication easier.
- Use expressive body language to communicate when speaking to locals.
- When appropriate, use numbers to make your intended meaning clearer.
- Take a professionally guided vacation to experience the region without learning the language, or have a local tour guide show you the highlights of the city so that you can easily find your way.
- Approach locals with courtesy to encourage open communication.
Contact to locals without knowing the native language is a challenge that you can overcome by using simple communication strategies. Gestures, maps and local resources such as guided tours are effective tools that make the communication barrier easier to overcome when you fly to new country.
Preparing for your trip beforehand also improves your ability to contact when you don’t know the local language.
Learn Simple Words and Phrases
Before you leave home, you can learn some basic phrases and words in the local language to make things easier. Words like “help” and phrases like “thank you” only take a few minutes to learn, but they send a clear message that others easily understand so that will help to make you contact with local people.
Translation resources like apps and dictionaries would be useful when you want to learn a new word or phrase before your trip.
For example, to communicate with the local people while abroad, you can carry a dictionary with you for translation on your travels.
Also, you can download a translation app if you have a smartphone.
While apps are convenient, carrying a translation dictionary as a backup is recommended, especially for the possibility of that internet connectivity might not be available.
Use Expressive Body Language
Expressive body language is an effective way to share meaning when visiting foreign countries. For example, when you mimic taking a drink, most people understand that you want a beverage.
Although you may feel a little silly, expressive gestures and body language are an important part of communication among all people, including those who share the same language.
Body language is also a way to communicate with others. Friendly gestures are usually the best way to show someone your intentions before you begin to speak.
Friendly gestures include smiling and keeping your hands open and visible when you approach someone. Try to use clear body language to improve your communication with local people. That is the way to easily contact with natives!
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