It is always a good way to break the ice, and of course
find out needed information, if you know a few words in a country’s native
tongue. In our case, we need to learn a
few phrases in four languages: German, Czech, Polish, and Hungarian.
If you are using a smartphone, you could download the Google Translate app for
mobile phones. It works with both iPhones and Android phones in all four
languages and has an extra feature called Conversation Mode which
now translates German, Czech, and Polish.
Android has a version (by downloading additional language
packs) that can be used without the internet.
However, I could not find the same internet free service for the iPhone,
so using it abroad will incur roaming data charges.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t practice a few phrases at
home before you depart. Google Translate for the computer let’s
you do just that. Just type in the
phrase in English on the left, choose the language at the top, and click
Translate. To hear it pronounced, simply
click on the speaker in the lower right corner of the box.
Practice makes perfect, so start with these basic
phrases. People in other countries
respond better if we try to use their language.
Think about how you feel when trying to communicate with a non-native
English speaker. When they try, doesn’t it make you smile!
Phrases to practice:
Yes
No
Hello
Goodbye
Thank you
Goodnight
Where is the bathroom?
How much is it?
Nice to meet you
Do you know _____?
Can you help me _____?
I would like _____. (knowing some basic menu items may
help…water, chicken, sandwich, etc.)
Do you speak English? (Try this one last. They may be more responsive if you at least
try in their language first.)
It might be a good idea to make up a little cheat sheet
to carry with you!
Another online tutorial is My Languages. Choose the language, and then choose the lesson you want to learn. The ones with the speakers will give you the audio, so you can learn to pronounce words like a native…or try anyways!
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