Dealing with a foreign language abroad can be quite daunting, regardless of what your native language is. Of course, it's great to speak English as it is very widely spoken everywhere and is the most international language in the World. If a Greek meets someone from China, they'd speak Engish.

Being the lingua franca around the globe, we'll look at it through the perspective of an English speaker. English may be your mother tongue but to be a real traveller, learn a few words of that foreign language. Try starting with "hello, goodbye, please and thankyou". It'll help on your travels and people will see that you're trying to make an effort. In some places, they might even be more inclined to help you or give you better service.

Another good phrase to learn in that foreign language is, "Do you speak English?". Again, they will appreciate the effort and often either try to speak to you in English or find someone else who does. Of course, there is body language and hand signals that can get oh so frustrating.

Make sure that you carry a phrase book. Pointing out phrases in it will do the trick if the local person doesn't seem to understand what you're saying. Don't make the mistake and just speak louder as that's only going to frustrate you both and isn't going to help. Remember that English is a foreign language for them. Your pronunciation might leave them scratching their heads but still, don't be embarrassed. When you're on your travels, and in life, make sure you have a sense of humour. Point to the word in the phrase book and then have a good laugh about it.

Take a chance. People are actually quite forgiving of tourists.... even the French who have a reputation for not being helpful. Just be grateful when they do speak English and don't just expect that they should.

When speaking English to new friends overseas, speak slowly and avoid slang. Idiomatic expressions and slang in any language often translate into something you really didn't want to say!

If a French waiter comes up to you and says, "Bon jour, cafe?" Don't look blank and say you don't speak French. How tough is this one? He's greeting you with good morning and asking if you want coffee. Smile and say, "Bon jour, oui, merci." See that wasn't so hard. Just a couple of words you probably really did know already, and now your waiter LIKES you... even if you never utter another word of French!

Don't be intimidated by signs in a foreign language... take a good look at them... think in an intuitive way. Does it look similar to a word you're familiar with? If it says "farmacia" instead of "pharmacy", take a guess... you're probably looking at that pharmacy or drug store you were looking for! Is there a pictorial sign to help? A green cross or a pharmacist's scale would be a good clue. That may not be what you're used to at home, but look in the window and think about it, and you can figure it out.

Remember, you went on this trip to experience something different... so revel in that foreign language, learn a few words and enjoy yourself!

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