How to Adapt to a New Language and Culture - apply the tips below to help you adjust to your travel destination.

Here is some travel advice and tips on foreign language and culture.

Make the Effort

In most foreign countries, the locals do not expect you to speak their language fluently – but they do expect you to make some effort by using a few key words or phrases (i.e. hello, please, thank you, Do you speak English? etc.). Consider preparing a cheat sheet of common words and phrases. Then learn them.

Here is a website for translating foreign words and phrases.

You may be very nervous about speaking to the locals in their own language but remember they probably feel just as nervous speaking to you in English as well.

Most places in the world have someone nearby who is able to communicate with you in English to some degree. Most hotels and tourist offices have someone who speaks English. Even local students are a possibility. If and when you find a person who speaks English:

1) Speak slowly.

2) Pronounce every word carefully.

3) Do not use any slang.

To further help you with foreign languages, consider using:

• A foreign language phrase book. You can order these from Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or Lonely Planet.

• A language translator.

• Take a course to learn a foreign language.

• Learn a second language by while you teach English in a foreign country. You can get a good position teaching English in Japan. Find all the information you need on teaching, educational resources, activities, recommended textbooks and more at How to Teach English in Japan. This is a great opportunity to delve more deeply into a rich language and culture.











Cultural Diversity and Religious Practices

In a nutshell, recognize the cultural differences and prepare to adapt to them before you leave home.

Wear clothing that is culturally sensitive to your destination.

Always maintain decorum in holy places, even if you are not religious. You can be prohibited from entering churches or mosques for not being appropriately dressed for example

Women, in particular, should not wear clothing that is considered to be provocative within the culture that they will encounter. Prepare yourself.

Be aware that some hand gestures that you take for granted at home may be obscene in the country that you are visiting.


Culture Shock

Culture shock may become a problem if you are planning a lengthy vacation.

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