If you are planning to holiday in a foreign country it is always a good idea to learn a few phrases of the local language before arriving. Not only will you find it easier to communicate, the local residents will appreciate the efforts you have made.

Here are some tips to get you on the road to learning a new language.

Reasons to learn the language

Okay, so you can get by not knowing a foreign language if you stay in tourist places but if you want to venture beyond such places, to get to know the locals, to read signs, menus, etc, knowing the local language is necessary.

While I love to try the local delecacies, I want to know what I am eating. In most places you can ask or the menu’s will be translated into English. If you are in a non tourist place and have a nut allergy or maybe your vegitarian, it is even more important that you can translate the menu.

Would it not be great to be able to sit in a restaurant or bar packed with locals and talk to them in their lanuage, learn about the culture and history, find out about places that tourists do not venture to, this would really add a new dimension to the holiday.

Practice but short bursts of study

There are many ways to learn foreign languages and most of them involve a long period of intense study. Fortunately, if you only want to learn enough to get by on you can easily pick up a few words and phrases in a much shorter time.

The key to learning any language is practice. You may be tempted to spend hours each day in study but chances are you will only become overwhelmed. Twenty to thirty minutes a day for a few weeks will have you ready for your holiday.

Language learning methods

The type of method you choose to learn a foreign language should match your learning style. If you learn best by hearing the words spoken you will find success with CD’s, DVD’s, and conservations with native-born speakers of the language.

CDs are one of the most popular language learning tools. They can be listened to anywhere, even in rush hour traffic or while you are jogging. Learning this way is no longer limited to tapes. MP3 downloads are available and are a very simple and effective tool.

Books are the tried and true method of language study. For quick language learning or for learning a few phrases you will be able to find “conversational” books in many languages. These texts focus only on phrases you would use in everyday conversation.

Learn a language online

Don’t forget the Internet! There are numerous sites on the Internet that help with language learning. There are also online tutoring sites where you can pay a small fee and have a native speaker help you learn a foreign language.

Learn from each other

If you are lucky enough to know someone from the country you are visiting or someone who speaks the language you can practice speaking with them. This will reinforce your learning and your friend can correct your pronunciation and offer advice.

You will also be surprised at what you may already know. Movies and television are filled with foreign phrases and words. Just by watching movies and television on international satellite channels you can pick up on many phrases from many different languages.

Locals are more receptive

Once you arrive at your holiday destination you will be thankful for the time you put into studying the local language. Just one “Que hora es?” will put a big smile on a local’s face and you will find that people are more receptive when you try and speak the language.