The power of language: why learning the local language is crucial when traveling

The Importance of Learning the Local Language When Traveling

Traveling to a new place can be exciting and exhilarating, but it can also be intimidating, especially if you don't speak the local language. While English may be spoken in many places across India, there are still many places where communication becomes a challenge. That's why it's important to make an effort to learn the local language when you travel. Here are some more reasons to do so:

Enhance your travel experience

When you speak the local language, you open yourself up to a world of new experiences. You can communicate with locals, learn about their culture, and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. You'll be able to read signs and menus, navigate public transportation, and get directions without relying on others. Knowing the local language and popular phrases can also help you make friends and connections faster. Imagine saying to a Kannadiga salesman, 'bombat' when you find something excellent; how surprised he would be. Or respond with a 'chak de phatte' when in Punjab!

It expresses respect for the locals

When you make an effort to learn the local language, you show respect to the locals. You're saying, "I value your culture, and I want to learn more about it." If you begin a conversation with someone using greetings such as "Vannakkam" (in Tamilnadu), "Sat Sri Akal" (in Punjab), or simply "Namaste" in India, you will likely elicit a sense of warmth and a desire to be helpful from the person you are speaking to. This can go a long way in establishing positive relationships with the people you meet. It shows that you're not just a tourist passing through, but someone genuinely interested in their way of life.

Improves cognitive function

Did you ever imagine that learning a new language could be good for your brain? Yes! It improves cognitive function, memory, and concentration. (Cognitive function refers to mental processes such as perception, memory, and reasoning.) Language learning can also delay the onset of dementia and other age-related cognitive decline. Hence, by learning a language not only will you be upskilling, and enhancing your travel experience, but you'll also be doing something good for your brain.

Make traveling easier

When you don't speak the local language, traveling can be a tad stressful. You may find yourself lost or confused, and you may have trouble communicating with others. But when you learn the local language, you'll be able to navigate your way around with a little ease. Even if you pick up broken language, you'll still feel more confident and more in control. Having knowledge of common travel phrases such as "When will the train arrive?", "Where is the bus stop?", "How much does this cost?", "That's too expensive", and "I'm hungry" in the local language can be incredibly beneficial during travel. Just practicing up to three to four levels of a language in the Language Curry App can get you the confidence to speak to any stranger in a new place in India.

Enjoy!

Learning a new language can be an exciting experience. You'll be able to challenge yourself, learn something new, and have fun in the process. You'll also be able to show off your new language skills to friends and family back home.

Learning the local language when you travel can prove to e beneficial for many reasons. It enhances your travel experience, endears you to the locals, improves cognitive function, makes traveling easier, and is just plain fun. So the next time you plan a trip, consider learning a few phrases in the local language. It is easy. Like mentioned above just download Language Curry and learn the language you want to learn. You'll be glad you did.