Keep it simple
When you and the person in front of you do not share a language, the instinct is often to speak faster or louder. The opposite works better. Use short sentences, key nouns and a calm pace. Words like bus, station, hotel, taxi and toilet are understood in a surprising number of places.
Avoid idioms and slang, which are hard for anyone speaking English as a second or third language to follow. Instead of asking whether something is a stone's throw away, ask if it is near and how many minutes it takes.
Show, do not just tell
A map on your phone, a photo of a dish, a hotel booking confirmation or an address written down can communicate more clearly than any phrase. Taxi drivers in particular find a written address or a pinned location far easier than a mispronounced street name.
Numbers can be written on paper or typed into a calculator app, which avoids confusion over prices. Gestures help too, though be aware that some hand signals mean different things in different countries, so keep them simple and friendly.
Make technology do the heavy lifting
Translation apps have improved enormously. Many can translate spoken conversation in close to real time, read text through the camera and work offline if you download the language in advance. Hold your phone so both people can see the screen, speak clearly and pause between sentences.
Treat translations as a helpful guide rather than gospel, particularly for medical or legal matters. For anything important, such as allergies or medication, prepare a carefully checked written note in advance.
Patience and good humour
Misunderstandings happen and are rarely serious. A smile, a shrug and a laugh at yourself can defuse almost any moment of confusion. Thank people for their patience, and do not be afraid to try a few words of their language; it often prompts them to try a few words of yours.
Some of the most memorable travel encounters happen precisely because of a language gap, when two people find a way to communicate using a mix of gestures, drawings and good will.
Good to know
- Save your accommodation address in the local script or language on your phone.
- Use a calculator app to show numbers and prices.
- Prepare a checked written note for allergies or medical needs.