For people who travel often or maybe relocate to a different country for school or work, it is very common to not know the locally spoken language. While it is certainly possible to get around not knowing the local language, there are some safety reasons it’s important to at least know a few key words or phrases. These are some of the reasons it is safer to know a little bit of the local language the next time you are traveling or visiting another country.
The first reason that it’s important is that it will make your time there so much easier. When going to a restaurant and trying to order food or going shopping and trying to tell the cashier what you are looking for, it can be extremely difficult if there is a huge language barrier. Simply knowing how to ask for things or being familiar with a few of the local food items will make it a more enjoyable experience for you and the people who live there.
A second reason it’s important is so you can navigate the area easier. If you get lost while walking around and can’t read any of the street signs or directions, it’s going to be a lot harder to find your way. This can be a safety issue if you end up in a situation where you aren’t sure where you are or where to go. Even knowing a few phrases regarding asking for directions can help tremendously when trying to navigate the area.
The final reason knowing the local language is important is so you can ask for help if you are in danger. If you were to end up in an uncomfortable or threatening situation, knowing how to say you need help will be extremely useful. There are likely going to be plenty of locals who will understand you enough to be able to help you in a time of distress. If for any reason you feel unsafe and want someone to walk with you during your travels, the Viola app is always there to make sure you get from one place to the other.
Article by Valerie Hudson
