Avoid These Common Travel Communication Mistakes

Become an Attaché member today for great perks and exclusive access - / @attachetravel When we travel we want to be understood. In this episode we look at some common communication mistakes people make when travelling. From speaking too quickly to using lots of slang, we cover the Do's and Do Not's when trying to communicate when travelling.
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» Timestamps ⏱️
00:00 - Intro
02:59 - Tip 1 - Speak Slowly
03:33 - Tip 2 - Enunciate
04:03 - Lingoda Language Learning
05:33 - Tip 3 - Speak in the Present Tense
08:00 - Tip 4 - Use Shorter Sentences
08:39 - Tip 5 - Avoid Slang
09:20 - Tip 6 - Consider the Structure of the Local Language
10:16 - Tip 7 - Break Out Google Translate
11:32 - Tip 8 - Learn the Local Language
12:10 - Show Me What You Got

[@andybaker2456]

You're absolutely right. So many times, I've witnessed English speakers approach a local and speak to them in English. When that local responds in English, they assume that person must be fluent, and with a visible sense of relief, will launch into using language that's full of slang, colloquialisms, complex sentence structures and won't even attempt to speak clearly! Even if they're in an area that attracts a lot of English-speaking tourists, it's highly likely that the local may only speak enough English to give directions to the beach, or cathedral, or to the station, not to have an in-depth conversation about the country's political situation! 😁

[@attachetravel]

Yes! I've noticed that same phenomenon. I admire anyone who is able to speak even a shred of another language. I try my best but it's definitely not easy!

[@roye7777777]

I speak four languages. My native language (Dutch), English, German and French. Now, I normally speak English in a schooled British way, and I find out that people who do not speak English very well, do not understand my British pronunciation very well either, while, when I speak English in a Dutch way (you probably have heard of ATC communications from AMS Schiphol, as an example), it somehow sounds clearer to others while we put more emphasis on syllables and it's perhaps also more straightforward: what you read is what you hear. Anywhere I go to, I try to use the language that's being spoken over there and the more you know (rainbow), the more confusing it will get and assumptions will be made. Example: "Chai". In Ukranian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Russian, it sounds like 'chaj', and so I confidently asked a waiter in Poland for a cup of tea in broken Polish: jeden czaj proszę. Grammatically it sucks, but it's fairly clear right? "One. Tea. Please." There still was confusion, as the response to that was "Huh, chai latte?" and I responded to that like, "nie, nie kafé (wrong again, should've been 'kawa'). Czaj! Czaj? Tea? I would like to have some *tea*" and it was from that moment I discovered that they actually call it herbata. The waiter still didn't like it though. O well. It's by failing, one learns a language.

[@attachetravel]

Four languages! Man, I feel like a slacker.

[@mrkc10]

Another brilliant video. Emboldened by the Asahi 😂 that’s too funny. Your videos are so educational. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@attachetravel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rickhubner]

Great video I remember when my guide in Bhutan asked how I was doing and I said "Peachy!" I obviously had to explain afterward. The first time I pulled out Google Translate was in Peru. A local shop owner was trying to tell me something about the liter bottle of beer I just bought. After many attempts to understand each other, I finally got out my phone and Translate to find out he just wanted me to know there was a deposit to be had for the bottle! Keep up the great videos and advice!

[@attachetravel]

We're lucky as modern tourists, we have so many tools available to us

[@henryhemming1494]

Terrific. Hope this becomes the top evergreen video on this subject!

[@attachetravel]

Thanks very much, Henry!

[@ronforeman8394]

This is fantastic information. This is even an emotional maturity and empathy sort of thing. Excellent video, thank you for sharing

[@attachetravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-vz1wk1oi4s]

the last few points were on point ill apply this for my travels

[@frezzingaces]

Good tips. To expand on the “avoid slang” tip, if just say to avoid complex structures, and complexity in your content all together - use plain English. For example you could say “hi, do you guys have a bathroom anywhere around here?”. But it’s much plainer to say “hi, I am looking for a bathroom” I think in many languages slightly more flowery language is used as a form of politeness. But if there’s a language barrier it’s really not, the most polite thing you can do is start the interaction with a hello in the local language and a smile - then talk plainly. Some simple structures may also seem rude in English, but are easy to understand. “I want the chicken” is easier than “I would love to take the chicken”. Also, don’t be afraid to use your hands and do some gesturing, the Italians were right. If you’re saying a small number, show the count with your fingers, if you want a glass of water, mime drinking, if you need utensils mime using a fork, etc.

[@frezzingaces]

Oh also, say key words again in different ways. Eg “do you have a toilet, or bathroom”? Somebody might only know one of those nouns, but they only need one. If somebody asks you to repeat something, say it again slowly, but if they ask a third time - say it in a different way. “Could I have the chicken dish”. “I would like to eat number 3 on the menu” (point at item). Accent is usually why somebody cant understand a specific word - don’t get stuck just repeating it again and again, move on and find another one. Oh also, don’t get annoyed! Sounds obvious but it will never help.

[@attachetravel]

Absolutely agree with all of this. Those gestures, changes in pitch, etc all add context and help us to be understood.

[@attachetravel]

More gold. I'd never considered saying the same word in different ways, that's very clever!

[@SanTM]

Great advice by the way. Basically how I speak with locals just because I don't want to complicate things initially. I always find when for example Italians who are learning English don't want me speaking Italian, but want to practice their English on me. Istanbul a couple of weeks ago was really cool. So many in the Galata area spoke fluent English. Now I know it's the trendy touristy area but the extent of how many people spoke fluently was surprising. Absolutely right about learning some phrases and attempting to speak to people in the country in their language. They always end up correcting me but I don't initially come across as a gentrifying arsehole airbnb tourist blasting in to the shop speaking brash English. People just like you more for trying

[@attachetravel]

I don't know about you but I admire anyone who speaks another language at ANY level of fluency. It's humbling!

[@Witeout88]

Loved this. Tip 6 is a great one when you also just interact with people from other countries. Coming from an eastern European background, a lot of the words used *tends* to be very binary and for a western speaker, this can feel very harsh or abrupt. Knowing this sometimes can help prepare you for how the language thinks and interacts, allowing for a stronger connection.

[@attachetravel]

That's a great point re: binary language/vocabulary

[@rahulchawla20]

Good video. Born and raised in India, learning English with Shakespeare plays, OUP books, Wren & Martin’s English grammar book, I was always happy to have learned good English. Then moved to Shenzhen and woah! I had to adapt so much, including making people understand me with signs. 😅 Speaking slow was definitely a key because we Indians speak quite fast unlike people in Shenzhen and HK (used to visit there quite often as it was 15 mins away from Luohu and I had 2 of my other offices there). I have spoken with people of several nationalities and I think most of them are quite used to American accents because of Hollywood movies. So, I try to get closer to that but yes, I stay away from slangs, etc. Now that I am in London, I really have to learn more of British English which is a thing in itself which I didn’t know much about. My God! Slangs here are just something else, but I think expat life of almost a decade has been an experience that’s helpful.

[@Gibbotour]

As a native italian speaker I agree. I would add that communication can also be integrated with gestures 🤌 just pay attention to the meaning! In Italy, and also in Japan, you can communicate with a single gesture!

[@keittomaster]

Ah if it isn’t a new video from my favorite travel channel!

[@attachetravel]

Thank you!

[@dommeca123]

Please come to Korea just once. I watched the Hong Kong video... It was like seeing a real Chongqing forest.

[@yelly8506]

Taxi sign in back good

[@attachetravel]

Thanks! All the way from Hong Kong.

[@yelly8506]

@@attachetravel Would it happen to be from Sam and Vic?

[@SanTM]

Woah! We saw some of your full time job?!

[@attachetravel]

Well, one of them!

[@user-vz1wk1oi4s]

Do an episode for Busan

[@attachetravel]

That's a great idea!

[@yeungeddie]

WOWW

[@attachetravel]

Thanks!

[@notactuallymyrealname]

A translator writes; an interpreter speaks. :)

[@attachetravel]

See I thought this too but my translator friend told me that when the content is one-way (i.e. not a conversation and something like a speech or a movie) they are considered a translator. An interpreter brokers the conversation between two people. Apparently lol

[@Cragozy]

Hella represent the Bay Area!

[@Murph_82]

What really happened with the Japanese girls mate? 😅 gteat advice mate 👍

[@DarthSmirnoff]

Step 1. Talk Slowly(In English). Step 2. Talk Loud(In English). If those fail: Step 3. Karate.

[@attachetravel]

Interesting strategy, Cotton, let's see if it pays off!

[@DarthSmirnoff]

@@attachetravel 60 percent of the time, it works every time.

[@d-lo811]

still whispering.

[@attachetravel]

I feel like this is the Don Mattingly/Mr Burns argument all over again.

[@sisir360]

Subconsciously, I have used most of these techniques for years whenever I communicated with a non-English speaker. Can confirm, they work. It’s interesting though, how some words we find simple/common could actually be very confusing to non-native English speakers. I once asked my former Chinese roommate if he wanted to get groceries- he was lost! I guess next time I’ll just stick with ‘vegetables’ or something

[@attachetravel]

Yeah it's fascinating to think about words we use every day that might utterly confound a non-native English speaker