Travel
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Learn how to ask 'Where is the bathroom?' in the local language.
It rounds out a basic list of essential phrases.
3 people, independently
Expect complaints from others if you unplug and leave with a shared power strip.
People sharing the outlet may complain when you take your cord to go.
3 people, independently
Do not force a friend to order food in a foreign language at a restaurant.
Putting them on the spot is stressful.
one person who lived it
Learn the local words for essential personal items like tampons and maxipads so you can find them if they are hidden in stores.
Women's products may be hidden away where you wouldn't easily find them on your own.
one person who lived it
Learn basic greetings like 'nei ho' in Cantonese when visiting Hong Kong to show cultural respect.
People appreciate those who respect their culture and make an effort with local words.
one person who lived it
Be firm and slightly cold when buying things or getting service in places where power dynamics favor the seller.
Being nice can be interpreted as being subservient in these contexts.
one person who lived it
Ask for help remembering a word instead of lying about being bilingual.
You will remember the word, whereas lying makes you look like an idiot when asked what other languages you speak.
one person who lived it
Ask a patient's family member how to say 'you're welcome' in their native language to provide emotional comfort.
It can bring a smile to the recipient's face.
one person who lived it
Speak directly to non-English-speaking hosts rather than through your partner when they are interpreting.
Speaking through your partner might be considered rude.
one person who lived it
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Ask someone to describe their day in the target language rather than asking them to say something random.
It gives them a specific topic and may help you recognize similar words.
one person who lived it
Preface your speech with 'I can't speak [language] very well' to prime listeners for garbled speech.
It sets expectations that what follows will likely be difficult to understand.
one person who lived it
Learn to say 'Sorry, I'm learning' in the local language to signal effort and humility.
'Sorry, I’m trying' sounds like you are apologizing for being a pain.
one person who lived it
Respond to compliments on your language skills with humility, such as 'not yet, not yet', especially in Japan.
In Japan, this is the correct response to 'Your Japanese is good'.
one person who lived it
Use formal registers when speaking to strangers in languages with T-V distinctions.
Defaulting to formal or textbook usage is generally a good starting point.
one person who lived it
Give shy newcomers time to become comfortable rather than forcing interaction.
It allows them to sort themselves out as they become more comfortable with you.
one person who lived it
Do not worry about offending locals by correcting their assumption that you only speak English; if they get uncomfortable acting on assumptions, it is their responsibility.
It is not your burden to manage others' discomfort caused by their own assumptions.
one person who lived it
Explicitly communicate your linguistic preferences rather than expecting others to read your mind.
People generally mean well but cannot read minds.
one person who lived it
Recognize that luxury brand shop assistants in Hong Kong may focus on Mandarin-speaking customers over English-speaking ones.
Assistants are often hired for Mandarin proficiency due to the spending power of Mandarin speakers.
one person who lived it
Begin interactions by stating your limited proficiency in the local language, then attempt to continue in that language, switching to English only when necessary.
Starting directly in English may confuse locals or result in them stating they don't speak English in their own language.
one person who lived it
- Avoid speaking exclusively in English immediately upon arrival without attempting the local language.1