I have found that learning to say "Excuse me, I don't speak (local language) very well. Can you help me?" in someone's native tongue goes a long way towards establishing good relations. It is surprising how many people worldwide speak English but might resent an American (or Canadian) just assuming they do without making any effort to learn some basic phrases. I would also (this was way before tech like Google Translate) make a cheat sheet to carry in my wallet. Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, right, left, how much, where, restroom, etc. and make notes when you learn a new phrase. But nowadays yes, Google Translate is indeed amazing! Safe travels and thanks for the wonderful content, my friend.
Tech is great. Some of my interactions with people were when we didn't have a language (or much of - think French, Spanish, Latin) ) in common, and we still managed to communicate and it was always funny. I remember them and I laugh to myself all over again and it puts a big smile on my face. I met this one fellow who refused to talk to me in Quebec. We ended up have a great conversation and I got a great lesson in French pronunciation. I couldn't leave him there, you see, as he had a problem with is bike and it was obvious to me that he didn't know how to fix it and I did. I will check out Google translate.
Another tool, helpful tools, appreciated tools, is to be open, friendly and inviting...oh and don't forget to smile...these 4 tools can help tremendously!
I tried using the conversation function about a year ago [EnglishJapanese] and if you paused before finishing a sentence the program started translating the sentence fragment. Very frustrating -- hoping that has improved for my next visit; I think the camera function sure has.
Isn't there an app that you talk English into it and it talks out loud to who your chatting with, instead of them having to read your phone ? I'm surprised how long it's taking for this type of program to come out...
I switched to Immersive Translate because it provides both the target language and translation results on one page, unlike Google Translate which can be inaccurate and direct.
This is a great video. Do you try to remember or memorize what Google Translate says? If you use Google Translate to translate the same statement or question over and over again into the same foreign language, you might as well try to remember or memorize what it says.
Yup! Sometimes I'll even start a note on my phone with my most-used phrases. And then there's lots of time on the bike to repeat them over and over to myself so they stick ;)
These are some of the communication strategies that work for me while traveling... what about you!?
I have found that learning to say "Excuse me, I don't speak (local language) very well. Can you help me?" in someone's native tongue goes a long way towards establishing good relations. It is surprising how many people worldwide speak English but might resent an American (or Canadian) just assuming they do without making any effort to learn some basic phrases. I would also (this was way before tech like Google Translate) make a cheat sheet to carry in my wallet. Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, right, left, how much, where, restroom, etc. and make notes when you learn a new phrase. But nowadays yes, Google Translate is indeed amazing! Safe travels and thanks for the wonderful content, my friend.
I love this! Yes I agree learning some key phrases and words is so important and helpful :) Safe travels to you too!
I'm dating a Guatemalan girl and let's just say that her spanish is far greater than mine. Thank you!
This one was so useful. Thanks a ton.
I'm so glad! My pleasure :)
Tech is great. Some of my interactions with people were when we didn't have a language (or much of - think French, Spanish, Latin) ) in common, and we still managed to communicate and it was always funny. I remember them and I laugh to myself all over again and it puts a big smile on my face. I met this one fellow who refused to talk to me in Quebec. We ended up have a great conversation and I got a great lesson in French pronunciation. I couldn't leave him there, you see, as he had a problem with is bike and it was obvious to me that he didn't know how to fix it and I did. I will check out Google translate.
That sounds like a really special interaction! I agree, it can be so wonderful to find your way through your different languages together :)
@@SheelaghDaly And Google Translate would help.
Another tool, helpful tools, appreciated tools, is to be open, friendly and inviting...oh and don't forget to smile...these 4 tools can help tremendously!
I think you missed out the best function on Google Translate... The conversation function beside the camera icon... I use that all the time...
I tried using the conversation function about a year ago [EnglishJapanese] and if you paused before finishing a sentence the program started translating the sentence fragment. Very frustrating -- hoping that has improved for my next visit; I think the camera function sure has.
Great tips. ❤
Isn't there an app that you talk English into it and it talks out loud to who your chatting with, instead of them having to read your phone ?
I'm surprised how long it's taking for this type of program to come out...
Going to Colombia in May and my Spanish is terrible def need this
great job!!
I switched to Immersive Translate because it provides both the target language and translation results on one page, unlike Google Translate which can be inaccurate and direct.
Nice i like
This is a great video. Do you try to remember or memorize what Google Translate says? If you use Google Translate to translate the same statement or question over and over again into the same foreign language, you might as well try to remember or memorize what it says.
Yup! Sometimes I'll even start a note on my phone with my most-used phrases. And then there's lots of time on the bike to repeat them over and over to myself so they stick ;)
@@SheelaghDaly That's good.
You look so much like Elisabeth Moss!
Haha thank you! I love her!