Living in a non-English speaking country can be extremely daunting. It's what actually put me off moving to Asia for years. I didn't know what to expect and I worried about basic communication...what if I was lost or in trouble? How would I be able to find help from someone who understands my situation? After finally pushing that fear aside and taking that leap, blindfolded into the unknown, I've realized: Life is SO much easier living in a country where you don't speak the language.
First of all, I'm about as introverted as they come. So that definitely helps in these kind of situations. Small talk makes me really uncomfortable, so anything to avoid that all together...well, that's winning in my book! Don't get me wrong, if I'm comfortable around someone, I will literally talk their ear off. But 9 times out of 10, just say what you need and get on with it! Not understanding what people are saying, you can drown them out on the train...the hum of chitter chatter becomes peaceful background noise. Sometimes you can tell foreigners are talking about you, but it doesn't matter because you don't understand what they're saying...it's just...noise...that you don't have to respond to (most of the time if they actually are talking about you, they're usually smiling, so it's probably good, at least I'd like to think so!). There was this one lady in Korea who worked at the bakery that I would frequent. She didn't speak a word of English, but would talk my ear off about my leg (this was after my surgery when I was in a cast and on crutches). We would have a long conversation with each other every time I went into that shop, not really knowing what the other was saying, but understanding each other all the same. She always gave me free cake, too. I miss that lady.
Secondly, when you don't speak the language, you have to become more creative in the way you communicate. If words can't get the job done, you need to find another way (and I don't mean by speaking louder...screaming at someone is definitely NOT going to help, and most likely will only increase anxiety in the situation). When my students had a hard time understanding what I was trying to get across to them, I would generally revert to drawing pictures and becoming very theatrical with them. Teaching in Asia brought out a dormant side of me...the side that I always knew existed, but was too shy or self-conscious to bring out at home. My favorite moments from teaching was when I would try to explain something to my kids that they didn't understand...I would act it out for them, or draw a picture...then there was that moment of complete understanding that came across their little faces, and a unanimous "Ahhhhhhh!" would echo through my classroom. (Not unlike the little green aliens in Toy Story). It was magical to me. Seeing them learn and understand what YOU are trying to get across...that's pretty cool!
Finally, this one has become a personal issue with me this past year and has definitely made me appreciate my previous circumstances a whole lot more: When you don't speak the language, communication can't become convoluted. Lines are not drawn or crossed. If you invite someone out to meetup, that's what it is: a meetup. No other connotations (is this a date?) are implied because communication has to remain in its simplest form. There's no awkwardness, everything is understood from the beginning. I'm not that annoying chick that says one thing but means something else. What's the point in that? Maybe that, again, comes from being introverted. You would think that would be easier in your native-language country, right? Hell no it isn't.
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| Story of my life. |
Don't get me wrong, not speaking the native language in a foreign country doesn't come without its difficulties. Especially, you know, when you're hit by a motorbike and break your ankle. But it's not as hard as many people may think. And if you're a seasoned traveler, you begin to learn the basics of languages to get you by...and when the basics fail, utilize your imagination and SMILE. If there's one thing I've learned from traveling, a smile goes a long way :)
Happy Trails!
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