Learning a Language for Travel

Learning a Language for Travel

Christina Cappy, PhD | 3-minute read

At Bend Language Institute (BLI), thousands of Central Oregon residents have learned new languages with us. Our students learn languages for various reasons: professional development, connecting with friends or family, stimulating their brains, meeting others in Bend, and frequently, for travel. Travel is one of the primary reasons adults learn the basics of a new language with us!

“But why learn a language for travel? Isn’t English spoken at hotels and major tourist destinations?” As the Founder of Bend Language Institute, I hear these questions often. And the short answer is, at least if you are travelling to Western European countries, yes. But there is so much more. Here I will share some of the perspectives of our Central Oregon residents as they explain why learning a language for travel made their experiences better, easier, more fun, and more fulfilling.

Learning a Language Shows Respect

Let’s face it, as Americans we don’t quite have the multilingual reputation that our European, Asian and African counterparts have. We live in a massive country and English is the primary language (but not only language!) spoken in the USA. In Europe you need to speak another language if you move 100 miles across a border, and in Africa many people speak 3-4 languages fluently. As Americans, making an effort to learn the basics of another language is a fantastic way to show respect for another country, culture, and its people.

Even if we struggle when speaking and sound like a little kid, I have heard time and time again how much people in other countries have expressed their gratitude when travelers put in the effort to learn the basics. One student shared how a stressed-out shopkeeper relaxed and smiled when he used Italian to purchase a raincoat. Another explained how the Japanese executives in his company appreciated the time he had taken to learn some Japanese. But I think our Spanish student, Neil Marchington, put it best when he explained, “When people see you making an effort to speak their language, they’re more likely to interact with you, be open with you. There are just so many opportunities to have some amazing experiences that would not exist without that bridge.”

Learning the Basics Provides Ease When Travelling

Learning the basics not only shows respect for another culture but also makes travel easier. At BLI we offer several Travel Essentials short courses in Italian, Spanish, French and Japanese to help people acquire the basics before they embark to their destinations. Over half of these residents return for future classes with us, and we get to hear of they travel successes. Our Italian students often feel satisfied when they can easily navigate public transportation systems like trains and buses. They happily have told me stories about how they were able to communicate with others in smaller towns, off of the “beaten path.” One of our French students, Sally Pressler, reflected on her biking tour throughout France and exclaimed, “Oh man I was so glad I could speak French!.. Being able to communicate was vital. We had mechanical issues with our bikes, and everyone has something special that they needed.” She also explained that one of her friends was taking beginning French and she would try stuff out in France, like ordering food. Whether you just learn a little bit, or strive for conversational fluency, speaking some of the language of where you are headed make travel easier and more enjoyable.

Learning a Language is Fulfilling

And one of the most common themes I hear from language learners, is how fulfilling they found learning a language. Seeing locals in other countries respond positively to their efforts to speak another language bring them a ton of satisfaction. A couple years ago I sent out a survey to our students over the age of 60 and Alex (pseudonym), an Italian student in his mid-70s, explained, “It is a real confidence boost and is one of the most satisfying things I have done. You can still accomplish things even as you grow older.” Karen, a French student in her mid-70s, encourages, “Do It!! It will offer a broader look at a different culture and give immense satisfaction in achieving something new. Travel will be enhanced. [I made] new friends in class.” Many have said that learning a new language isn’t the easiest thing they have done, but they love the challenge. They find learning something new not only helpful for navigating situations in a new country, but satisfying to know they can do it.

So back to that original question, “Why learn a new language for travel?” We can consider respect and ease when traveling, but when it comes down to it, really you can expect to love it.